文摘
The number of elderly people is growing and the practice of physical exercise, such as Pilates, contributes to increased muscular strength and functional autonomy in this population. Objective: To verify the influence of Pilates on the isokinetic muscular strength of the elbow flexors and extensors, and on the functionality of the upper limbs, of older women.MethodThirty volunteers were randomized into two groups-Pilates group (PG) and Control Group (CG). The PG exercises were performed twice weekly for 12 weeks. Evaluations were performed pre and post-intervention, for isokinetic muscular strength of the elbow flexors and extensors and functionality of the upper limbs.ResultsIn the intra-group comparison, the PG improved strength of the elbow extensors and the functionality of the upper limbs (p < 0.05). When comparing the post-intervention moment, the PG was superior to the CG in all variables (p < 0.05), with a large effect size (d > 0.80).ConclusionPilates increases the isokinetic muscular strength of the elbow flexors and extensors, in addition to the functionality of the upper limbs, in older women.
