Influence of pilates exercises on soil stabilization in lumbar muscles in older adults

• Published in: Revista brasileira de cineantropometria & desempenho humano Vol. 16; no. 6; pp. 648 - 657
• Main Authors: Pinheiro, Kelma Regina Galeno, Rocha, Thais Cristina da Costa, Brito, Noelia Machado Silva, da Silva, Maiara Luciano de Gois, de Carvalho, Maria Ester Ibiapina Mendes, Mesquita, Laiana Sepulveda de Andrade, de Carvalho, Fabiana Teixeira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: 01.01.2014
• ISSN: 1415-8426; 1980-0037
• DOI: 10.5007/1980-0037.2014v16n6p648

The practice of regular physical activity is recognized as a strong ally of active aging, healthy, or successful, whose hallmark is the independent and effective performance of activities of daily living. The Pilates Method (MP) has emerged as a good alternative physical activity in older adults with the main objective of strengthening and stretching the muscles simultaneously, raising body awareness. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of MP on the strength and conductivity of the electrical stimulation of the lumbar paraspinal muscles as well as muscle contraction transversus abdominis (TrA) in older women before and after performing Pilates exercises on the ground. The instruments used were surface electromyography, force transducer and pressure biofeedback unit. Participants were aged 13, who underwent 12 sessions of Pilates exercises on the ground with an average duration of 50 minutes, are reviewed at the end of the intervention protocol. The participants had increased strength and electrical activation of the lumbar paraspinal muscles, as well as increased ability to contract the transversus abdominis muscle. Based on the results obtained we can conclude that there was a significant improvement of strength and electrical conductivity of the stabilizing muscles of the lumbar voluntary and therefore training with MP positively influenced this musculature.Original Abstract: A pratica regular de exercicios fisicos e reconhecida como forte aliada do envelhecimento ativo, saudavel, ou bem-sucedido, cuja marca distintiva e o desempenho independente e eficaz de atividades de vida diaria. O Metodo Pilates (MP) vem surgindo como uma boa alternativa na pratica de atividade fisica em idosos tendo como objetivo principal o fortalecimento e alongamento simultaneo da musculatura, despertando a consciencia corporal. O objetivo foi analisar a influencia do MP sobre a forca e condutibilidade do estimulo eletrico dos musculos paravertebrais lombares, bem como a contracao do musculo transverso do abdomen (TrA) em idosas antes e apos a realizacao de exercicios de Pilates no solo. Os instrumentos utilizados foram eletromiografo de superficie, transdutor de forca e a unidade de Biofeedback Pressorico. Participaram do estudo 13 idosas, que foram submetidas a 12 sessoes de exercicios de Pilates no solo com duracao media de 50 minutos, sendo reavaliadas no termino do protocolo de intervencao. As participantes obtiveram aumento da forca e da ativacao eletrica dos musculos paravertebrais lombares, bem como aumento na capacidade de contracao do musculo transverso do abdomen. Com base nos resultados observou-se uma melhora significativa da forca e da condutibilidade eletrica dos musculos estabilizadores lombares das voluntarias e, portanto, o treinamento com o MP influenciou positivamente essa musculatura.