Adaptações neuromusculares, cardiorrespiratórias e funcionais de dois programas de treinamento no meio aquático em mulheres idosas

Abstract

Purpose: Investigate neuromuscular, cardiorespiratory, functional and quality of life responses of two training programs in the aquatic environment (aerobic and combined) and a physical activity program not periodized in elderly women. Materials and methods: Fourty-one elderly women volunteer were divided into three groups: aerobic training group (AT; n=16; 66 ± 4 years), combined training group (sequence resistance/aerobic CT; n=16; 66 ± 4 years) and control group (CG; n=9; 64 ± 3 years). The subjects performed the water-based trainings for 14 weeks, twice a week with two weeks of adaptation to the water and exercises and after that 12 weeks of specific training. The control group performed 14 weeks of programs not periodized with dance and gymnastics activities. The resistance training was performed with sets in maximal effort and the aerobic training was performed in percentage of heart rate corresponding to the second ventilator threshold (85-110%) determined during a maximal progressive test in the water environment. Before and after the training period, the subjects were evaluated during maximal dynamic strength in the knee extensors and during the bench press (assessed using 1RM test), peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory thresholds (assessed on treadmill on land by Bruce protocol), the maximal isometric neuromuscular activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and deltoid (electromyography - EMG), perception of quality of life (WHOQOLBREF) and functional capacity in the tests 30-Second Chair Stand, 6-Minute Walk and 8-Foot Up-and-Go. Data were analyzed by protocol and by intention to treat using Generalized Estimating Equations test (GEE), and post-hoc Bonferroni (α = 0.05). Results: In both forms of analysis the results showed a significant increase in 1RM in the knee extension only for the water-based training (AT: 16 ± 12%; CT: 15 ± 16%), on the other hand, in bench press only by intention to treat analysis was demonstrated increases just for water training groups (AT: 9 ± 17%; CT: 6 ± 18%). It was observed significant improvements in peak oxygen uptake after the training period (AT: 23 ± 21%; CT: 18 ± 9%;11 CG: 7 ± 16%), for the consumption of oxygen in the first threshold (AT: 27 ± 37%; CT: 23 ± 24%; CG: 22 ± 23%) and functional tests 30-Second Chair Stand (AT: 32 ± 11%; CT: 24 ± 14%; CG: 20 ± 9), 6-Minute Walk (AT: 10 ± 7%; CT: 7 ± 6%; CG: 7 ± 5%) and 8-Foot Up-and-Go (AT: 11 ± 5%; CT: 10 ± 9%; CG: 10 ± 6%), in both forms of analysis without differences between groups. On the other hand, for onsumption of oxygen in the second threshold only waterbased training groups improved after training (AT: 20 ± 24%; CT: 23 ± 13%). No difference was found for the EMG activation of vastus lateralis and deltoid, as the rectus femoris had a decrease in EMG activation of 21 ± 24% only for CG, when analyzed by intention to treat. The two forms of analysis generated similar results of perceived quality of life showing that CG decreased perception of quality of life in the physical domain (12 ± 10%) and did not change in other domains. In groups of aquatic training improvements were observed in the physical (CT: 13 ± 16%), psychological (AT: 9 ± 16%; CT: 10 ± 11%), social (AT: 19 ± 42%; TC: 16 ± 21%), environmental (AT: 10 ± 17%; CT: 16 ± 28%) and overall (AT: 17 ± 22%; CT: 14 ± 27% only by intention to treat), no significant difference was observed in the domain physical to AT. Conclusion: Aerobic training and combined training in the aquatic environment are effective for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, maximal dynamic muscle strength of upper and lower limbs, the perception of quality of life and functional capacity, as well as a possible maintenance of maximum neuromuscular activation of muscles analyzed. Also, physical activities not periodized are effective for increasing cardiorespiratory fitness (with the exception of oxygen consumption in the second threshold) and functional capacity, but are not positive to increase the perception of quality of li e and maximal dynamic muscle strength in upper and lower limbs.