THE EFFECT OF PILATES METHOD OF AUTONOMIC MODULATION IN OLDER WOMEN

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To verify the effects of the Pilates compared to Resistance method on autonomic modulation of heart rate of older women. Design and method: Twenty-four older women (60 to 80 y.o.) submitted to resistance training, W (RT, n = 12) or Pilates (PT, n = 12) for 12 weeks, twice a week, one hour per session. Physical evaluation was performed at the beginning (week 0, RT0 and PM0) and the end of training protocols (week 12, RT12 and PM12), to analyse body composition (bioimpedance, X-ray emission densitometry), and unipodal balance, hand grip strength, functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test–TUGT). Pulse pressure was obtained by using Finometer, and spectral analysis was performed by using Heartscoope Software to obtain normalized high frequency component (RRHFn), normalized low frequency component (RRLFn), LF/HF ratio, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), harte rate (HR), diastolic blood pressure mean (DAP), and systolic blood pressure mean (SAP). Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA. Results: observed an improve of unipodal balance in both groups (RT1 = 12,9 ± 8 s vs. RT12 = 24,8 ± 8,4 s and PT1 = 8,6 ± 2,5 s vs. PT12 = 22 ± 9,23 s). Pilates was able to improve TUGT (PT1 = 5,5 ± 1.6 s vs. PT12 = 2,9 ± 0,5 s). No chances in body composition and hand grip strength were observed. Bood pressure evaluation showed no changes in RT (DAP 84.05 ± 10 and SAP: 135 ± 18mmHg) and PT (DAP 73.6 ± 8 and SAP: 135 ± 14mmHg); HR (RT: 62.7 ± 6 and PT: 60.1 ± 3 bpm) and BRS were also unchanged after training. Spectral analysis shows a decrease, but non significant, in RT of RRLFn (-14,6%) and RR LF/HF (-27,3%). Interstingly, RRHFn increased significantly (+27,3%). On the other hands, PT presented a significant decrease of RRLFn (-36,2%), RR LF/HF (-55,6%) and an increase of RRHFn (+33,9%). Conclusions: Both exercise protocols were effective to improve physical capacity, but Pilates method was also efficient to improve TUGT. Both methods were able to increase HF (parasimpathetic modulation). However, Pilates was also efficient to reduce LF, indicating a reduction of sympathetic modulation, combined to the increase of parasympathetic activity on the heart. The improve of autonomic modulation indicate a better efficiency to reduce cardiovascular risk.