Efeitos de um treinamento multicomponente sobre o desempenho funcional e cognitivo de idosos

Abstract

Aging causes physiological changes in different body structures, with significant impacts on the functioning of the neuromuscular and central nervous system that end up affecting the independence and mobility of the elderly. For these reasons, aging has negative repercussions on the quality of life of the elderly. In this sense, multi-component exercises, besides benefiting strength, flexibility and respiratory capacity, can also be planned in order to promote cognitive gains. This type of exercise program should follow the basic principles of the functionality of the elderly and promote general gains, and thus understand the mechanisms that this specific training for the elderly can promote for a certain period and thus observe the physical and cognitive changes over time . As older people generally exercise in groups, intensity control can be difficult. In addition, the duration of the training program is discussed. Frequencies of two to three sessions per week over twelve weeks are the most common. Lastly, the maintenance of gains in periods of de-stress is important to know, since many older people exercise in public places that have reduced attendance during vacations. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a physical and cognitive exercise program on the functional performance of the elderly. Participants in this study were elderly individuals, of both sexes, with a mean age of 78 years, physically active or began to develop a routine of physical activity. They were participants of a multi-component exercise program developed over eight months. Evaluations were performed before, four, and eight months after training, and after three months of detraining, to quantify changes in strength, flexibility, reaction, balance and gait. The training was systematized, with sessions three times a week, with one hour duration each session, without individual control of intensity, with activities always performed in a group. All sessions included combined physical and cognitive exercises. After four and eight months of training, we observed improvement in most of the physical valences, regardless of lack of intensity control. The gains from the fourth to the eighth month of training were not always greater than the initial gains (up to four months of training). With the period of de-training, there was a decrease in capacity in some valences, but in general, the gains have lasted. Thus, we conclude that multicomponent training with activities aimed at improving physical and cognitive values, even without intensity control, has a positive effect on gait speed, balance and strength, which is considered the main capacity lost along of life. Therefore, our recommendation is to prioritize multicomponent exercise programs in groups for the elderly, with the insertion of several functional tasks, without strictly requesting an individual control of the intensity.