Avaliação do equilíbrio e força muscular de idosos antes e pós treino de resistência: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract

Introduction: The aging process is dynamic and progressive. Objective: To verify the effect of resistance training on muscle strength and balance in the elderly before and after 8 weeks. Method: Thirty elderly from the city of Uruguaiana - RS of both sexes participated, divided into two groups, called strength group (FG) and control group (CG). The (FG) underwent resistance training, supervised for 8 weeks, 2 times weekly, for 50 minutes. The CG was instructed not to change their lifestyle and did not undergo any intervention. Postural balance was assessed by the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) using NeuroCom® International's Smart Equitest TM and muscle strength using the Biodex System 4 Pro isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical System, Shirley, NY, USA). Data were processed in SPSS® (p = <0.05). Results: The FG showed an improvement in the peak torque in the extension of the MIE (p = 0.045) and the power in the extension (p = 0.007) and flexion (p = 0.027) of the MIE. As for the CG, there was a difference in the total work of the knee flexion joint (p = 0.043). There was also an improvement in condition four score of the balance assessment. Conclusion: Resistance training practiced by the elderly increases muscle strength as well as balance.