EXERGAMES AND CARDIOVASCULAR AND MOTOR ADAPTATIONS IN FEMALE ADOLESCENTES: AN INTERVENTION STUDY

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the contribution of a physical conditioning program with exergames on postural control and to compare cardiovascular autonomic function among female adolescents.
 Methods: longitudinal study with overweight and non-overweight female adolescents, aged between 10 and 16 years, submitted to two assessments, when heart rate variability (HRV) and postural control were investigated during participation in the conditioning program with exergames
 Results: HRV indices for the time domain (RMSS and SDNN), showed significant differences between the pre and post moments of the program with exergames (14.67 [5.86; 22.72]; 12.38 [4, 82; 20.88]), respectively. In postural conditions BPA/AO open base with parallel feet and open eyes (0.19 [0.05; 0.32]), BTD/AO (semi-tandem base with straight forward foot and open eyes) (-0.17 [-0.32; -0.01]), BTD/OF (semi-tandem base with straight forward feet and eyes closed) (-0.21 [-0.38; -0.04]) and BTE/OF (semi-tandem base with left foot forward and eyes closed) (-0.2 [-0.38; -0.02]) differences were found between the pre and post moments of the muscle activation values of the flexor and extensor muscles of the ankle. The same adjustments were not identified for the overweight group. The total displacement of the pressure center in the BTD/AO postures (0.19 [0.02; 0.36]) in the eutrophic group (with adequate weight), and in the BTE/OF (0.77 [0.18; 1.41]) in the overweight group, in pre and post comparisons, statistically significant differences were found.
 Conclusion: exergames can contribute to physiological adaptations to cardiovascular and motor levels in adolescents.