The influence of inspiratory muscle training combined with the Pilates method on lung function in elderly women: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:Aging is progressive, and its effects on the respiratory system include changes in the composition of the connective tissues of the lung that influence thoracic and lung compliance. The Powerbreathe® K5 is a device used for inspiratory muscle training with resistance adapted to the level of the inspiratory muscles to be trained. The Pilates method promotes muscle rebalancing exercises that emphasize the powerhouse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of inspiratory muscle training combined with the Pilates method on lung function in elderly women.METHODS:The participants were aged sixty years or older, were active women with no recent fractures, and were not gait device users. They were randomly divided into a Pilates with inspiratory training group (n=11), a Pilates group (n=11) and a control group (n=9). Spirometry, manovacuometry, a six-minute walk test, an abdominal curl-up test, and pulmonary variables were assessed before and after twenty intervention sessions. RESULTS:The intervention led to an increase in maximal inspiratory muscle strength and pressure and power pulmonary variables (p<0.0001), maximal expiratory muscle strength (p<0.0014), six-minute walk test performance (p<0.01), and abdominal curl-up test performance (p<0.00001). The control group showed no differences in the analyzed variables (p>0.05).CONCLUSION:The results of this study suggest inspiratory muscle training associated with the Pilates method provides an improvement in the lung function and physical conditioning of elderly patients.

Efecto del entrenamiento de la musculatura inspiratoria con válvula umbral sobre la capacidad funcional en mujeres físicamente activas mayores de 60 años

“…Se reguló la intensidad una vez a la semana, de acuerdo a la progresión de la Pimax. Para mantener un control del entrenamiento, se confeccionó una lista de chequeo con todas las sesiones disponibles, donde cada persona marcó los días que entrenó (9,10) .…”

Intervenção pelo método Pilates no solo:influência sobre o desempenho motor, funcional e cognitivo de idosos

“…Pode remeter-se a melhora apresentada pelos idosos nos testes de capacidade funcional, a questão que o Método Pilates é utilizado para promover o reequilíbrio muscular, por meio de exercícios que enfatizam o chamado power house, ou centro do corpo 18 . Este centro diz respeito à região de grupos específicos de músculos (anteriores abdominais, extensores da coluna, extensores do quadril, flexores do quadril e musculatura do assoalho da pelve) 19 .…”

Pilates Method Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Three potential sources of improvement may explain the positive impact of Pilates intervention on CRF: Strengthening of the lumbopelvic region, increased flexibility of the ribcage and breathing exercises. First, the strengthening of lumbopelvic and core muscles induced by Pilates may produce a more efficient movement pattern in upper and lower limbs, as well as greater strength in expiratory muscles [19,33]. Second, due to the flexibility improvement, a more efficient mobility pattern of the ribcage may be achieved [30].…”

“…Pilates has become popular in recent years as a holistic exercise [16] focused on respiration, body control and accuracy of movements. Current evidence suggests positive effects of Pilates on respiratory muscle strength, balance, quality of life and overall physical performance [18,19,20,21,22,23,24]. These benefits are observed not only in the healthy population but also in those with specific disorders, such as chronic low back pain [16], multiple sclerosis [25], breast cancer [26] and Parkinson’s disease [27].…”