Efeito do treinamento resistido associado à respiração do método Pilates sobre a força, o equilíbrio e a pressão arterial de idosos: ensaio clínico paralelo

Abstract

Aging is commonly accompanied by loss of strength, balance deficit and development of arterial hypertension. Currently, the guidelines point out the benefits of practicing different exercise modalities, however, there is a low adherence to more than one exercise modality. Resistance training has benefits on the musculoskeletal system and its effects on the cardiovascular system have had favorable results. The Pilates method has its own breathing modality that slows down the speed of the exercise. The present study compared the effects between resistance training with velocity-controlled execution of the Pilates method (RT+P) and resistance training without velocity-controlled execution (RT) on strength, balance, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of the elderly. Forty-four elderly subjects were divided into two groups; RT+P (n = 22) and RT (n = 22); and performed the training of 8-weeks, twice a week, 50 min/session. Before and after training, evaluations were performed: handgrip (HG) and dorsiflexion strength, balance, BP and HR. There were no significant differences in HG strength, BP and HR in any of the groups. After the intervention, only the TR group showed an increase in dorsiflexor strength compared to the pre-intervention (Right: pre=22.2±4.2 vs. post=29.1±7.7kgf, p=0.001, η2p=0,31; Left: pre=22.4±3.3 vs. post=29.5±6.9kgf, p=0.001, η2p=0,42). After the intervention, only the TR+RP group showed significant improvement in variables related to balance compared to the pre-intervention, for example: total displacement (pre=71.0±14.3 vs. post=59.7± 14.3cm, p=0.003, η2p=0,31); sway speed (pre=3.63±0.68; post=2.98±0.71cm/s; p=0.001, η2p=0,33); root mean square anteroposterior (pre=0.73±0.29 vs. post=0.55±0.14, p=0.009, η2p=0,21); anteroposterior excursion (pre=3.61±1.37 vs. post=2.77±0.66cm, p=0.010, η2p=0,20). In conclusion, the RT without the Pilates method breathing promoted an increase in dorsiflexion strength, while the RT performed with slow speed cadenced by the Pilates breathing technique promoted improvements in static balance. None of the interventions influenced HG strength, BP and HR.