Effects of the Pilates method exercises in respiratory muscle strength of elderly women: a clinical trial

INTRODUCTION: Among the systems of the organism, it is believed that the respiratory system is the one that gets older faster due to the greater exposure to environmental pollutants over the years. The Pilates method has emerged as a form of fitness particularly providing general welfare to the individual. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Pilates' exercises on respiratory muscle strength in elderly women before and after eleven weeks of training. METHODS: This is a clinical, longitudinal, prospective trial study. We have studied seven women aged 60 and over, with preserved autonomy and cognitive skills. The Pulmonary Function Test (Spirometry) was performed using the Vitalograph(r) spirometer, model 8600. Respiratory muscle strength was obtained by technical measurements of maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure, through analog Gerar manometer. The experiment lasted eleven weeks. For comparative analysis of data obtained in the evaluations, we applied the paired t test and a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The results of this study showed significant increase (p≤0.01) compared to maximal expiratory pressure of 46±18 for 75±29cmH2O. CONCLUSION: The results showed significant increase in maximal expiratory pressure, so the Pilates method is one of the practices recommended for the elderly population.