Efeito do treinamento muscular respiratório associado ao treinamento funcional em idosos: um ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado

Abstract

Introduction: The elderly population in Brazil and in the world has been growing rapidly. It is estimated that by 2050, the world’s elderly population will reach 2 billion. It is estimated that by 2025, Brazil will be the sixth country in the world in number of elderly people. Several pathologies have an increased incidence among this population, among which, respiratory diseases, potential causes of death in the elderly. The aging process promotes changes in the body’s systems, including the respiratory system. Among the respiratory alterations, there is a reduction in respiratory muscle strength, stiffness of the rib cage and decreased elasticity of the lung, interfering with the lungs’ ability to capture oxygen from atmospheric air. The weakness of the respiratory muscles can hamper the IADLs and the functional capacities of the elderly. Respiratory training aims at a greater capacity of the inspiratory muscles to generate strength and sustain a certain level of inspiratory pressure from adjustable resistance training. Functional training, because it resembles daily activities, has been applied to the elderly population, aiming to improve functional capacities and performance in activities of daily living. Objective: To verify the result of respiratory training associated with functional training in respiratory and global muscle strength and in the quality of life of the elderly. Methodology: The sample consisted of 24 elderly people, divided into four groups, being the experimental group functional training, the experimental group functional training associated with respiratory training, the experimental group respiratory training and the fourth group, the control. Initial and final evaluations were performed to analyze the variables of the Powerbreathe K-Series © Breath Test, 10 RM Test, Abdominal Curl UP, Sit and Stand Test, domains of the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire. 15 appointments were made twice a week. Results: There was homogeneity in sample randomization between groups (P> 0.05). There was a significant difference between the periods, pre and post intervention, for the variables: Breathing Test (P <0.001), T10RM Right Quadriceps (p = 0.01) and Left Quadriceps (p = 0.01), Left Hamstrings (p < 0.001), Triceps Brachial Right (p = 0.02) and Triceps Brachial Left (p = 0.04), with no difference between groups. There was a statistical difference between the groups for the Functional Capacity (p = 0.048) and Vitality (p = 0.036) variables, with no difference between the periods. There was a difference for the variable Mental Health for interaction between factors (p = 0.023). Conclusion: The effectiveness of respiratory training in gaining respiratory muscle strength and the effectiveness of respiratory and functional training in gaining overall muscle strength in the elderly were found, directly affecting the functional capacity and quality of life of the elderly.