Os efeitos do método Pilates solo sobre a força muscular respiratória e capacidade funcional de idosos

Abstract

Aging causes changes in all aspects of human biology and has characteristic effects on lung structure and function, having as one of its consequences the decrease of respiratory muscle strength (RMS). Decreases in these functions may interfere with functional capacity and performance of activities of daily living, besides being predictors of quality of life. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of the Pilates Solo Method (PSM) on RMS and functional capacity in the elderly. This is an experimental study with pre and post-test, involving an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). Individuals of both sexes, aged between 60 and 79, non-regular physical exercise. Individuals with neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory and orthopedic diseases that prevented Pilates exercises, had smoking habits and used a wheelchair could not participate in the study. As evaluation instruments were used an evaluation form, manovacuometry test and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). All evaluations were carried out before the interventions and remade at the end of this period by the same evaluators. IG received PSM classes lasting one hour, twice a week for eighteen weeks. After this period, the CG also received the same number of classes. Descriptive statistics and normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk) were used for all variables. The paired t-test was used for intragroup comparison and independent t-test for comparison between groups, with a significance level of 5%. As a result, a significant increase in inspiratory and expiratory pressures for the IG was obtained, as well as an improvement in the 6-minute walk test for the distance covered and Peak VO2 max. However, there was no significant difference in any of the variables between groups (IG and CG). It was concluded that, after 34 PSM classes, there was an improvement in respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity of the elderly.