title: Aquaticity: A discussion of the term and of how it applies to humans.
abstract: The relationship between humans and water and the effects on aspects related to human performance has never been studied scientifically. The aim of the current systematic review is to attempt to define the term "aquaticity", present the factors that describe it and reveal the form in which it presents itself in today's society, in order to become a distinct scientific field of study. A systematic review of the literature has been conducted using anecdotal reports from the internet and forums as well as scientific articles and books from databases on issues related to aquatic sports. To the best of our knowledge there are no scientific articles dealing with human's aquaticity. In the current systematic review, four factors have been recognized that are closely related to human aquaticity. Those are related to physical condition in the water, to apnea and ability to immerse, to mental health and to parameters related to body composition. According to our findings, "Aquaticity is the capacity of a terrestrial mammalian organism to function and habitualise in the aquatic environment. The level of aquaticity depends on mental and physical characteristics and can be improved by frequent exposure to the water element". The ideal state of aquaticity is achieved through the activation of the diving reflex, when the human body is totally immersed in water. The development of knowledge regarding the aquatic environment leads humans to an improved state of aquaticity.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Department of Sport Science, LIVE Laboratory, University of Thessaly, Karies, Trikala GR42100, Greece.
authors.forename: Danae
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Varveri
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Department of Sport Science, LIVE Laboratory, University of Thessaly, Karies, Trikala GR42100, Greece.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Karatzaferi
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Department of Sport Science, LIVE Laboratory, University of Thessaly, Karies, Trikala GR42100, Greece.
authors.forename: Elizana
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pollatou
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Department of Sport Science, LIVE Laboratory, University of Thessaly, Karies, Trikala GR42100, Greece. Electronic address: gsakkas@med.uth.gr.
authors.forename: Giorgos K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Sakkas
mesh_terms: D001823:Body Composition; D004242:Diving / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy / Q000379:methods; D007101:Immersion; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*; D014867:Water / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D014867:Water
keywords: Aquatics; Diving; Education; Safety; Swimming; Therapy; Water sports