Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Aerobic Capacity in Amateur Indoor Football Players.

Inspiratory muscle training represents a recommended clinical practice to improve physical performance of healthy individuals, athletes, and those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate whether high- and low-intensity inspiratory muscle training interferes with the aerobic capacity of indoor soccer players. Volunteers were equally and randomly divided into CON (control group, no inspiratory muscle training); HIG (high-intensity group, inspiratory muscle training at 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure, 3 sets of 12 repetitions); and LIG (low-intensity group, inspiratory muscle training at 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure, 2 sets of 20 repetitions). Before and after inspiratory muscle training, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, the incremental shuttle run test, and the 3-min step test were evaluated. Both inspiratory muscle training protocols improved maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and indirect maximal oxygen consumption and distance traveled in the shuttle test compared to CON. However, only HIG achieved significant increases of indirect oxygen consumption and frequency of step rise in the 3-min step test (p<0.05). Inspiratory muscle training is an important tool to enhance maximal inspiratory pressure and exercise tolerance with potential benefits on submaximal aerobic capacity. However, high-intensity inspiratory muscle training improved aerobic capacity in amateur indoor soccer players in both submaximal tests.

O Método Pilates melhora a função pulmonar e a mobilidade torácica de pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica / Pilates method improves lung function and chest wall mobility in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introdução: A obstrução crônica ao fluxo aéreo observada na Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) leva à hiperinsuflação pulmonar e sobrecarga dos músculos respiratórios. O Método Pilates baseia-se no controle consciente dos movimentos corporais, facilita e trabalha a respiração, o relaxamento geral e fortalece a musculatura abdominal, de forma que pode ser eficaz no tratamento da DPOC. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do Método Pilates na função pulmonar da DPOC. Material e métodos: Pacientes com DPOC (n = 9) foram avaliados com relação à força muscular respiratória, pico de fluxo expiratório e mobilidade torácica antes e após o protocolo de tratamento com o Método Pilates, contendo exercícios voltados para alongamento da musculatura acessória da respiração e fortalecimento de músculos abdominais. Resultados: O Método Pilates foi eficaz em aumentar a pressão inspiratória máxima (p = 0,004), a pressão expiratória máxima (p = 0,008), o pico de fluxo expiratório (p = 0,004) e o índice de amplitude axilar (p = 0,008). Conclusão: O Método Pilates demonstrou eficácia no aumento da força muscular respiratória, na redução da limitação de fluxo expiratório e na melhora da amplitude de movimento na região axilar, podendo ser utilizado em conjunto com a fisioterapia respiratória no tratamento de pacientes com DPOC. (AU)

The chronic air flow obstruction observed on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leads to pulmonary hyperinflation and respiratory muscles overloading. The Pilates Method is based in the conscious control of body movements; it facilitates and works the breathing, the general relaxation and strengthens the abdominal muscles, and may be effective in the treatment of COPD. Objective: To analyze the effects of Pilates exercises on pulmonary function of COPD. Method: Patients with COPD (n = 9) were evaluated with respect to respiratory muscle strength, expiratory peak flow and chest wall mobility before and after the treatment protocol with the Pilates Method, containing exercises for accessory muscles of respiration stretching and abdominal muscles strengthening. Results: The Pilates Method was effective in increasing the maximum inspiratory pressure (p = 0.004), the maximum expiratory pressure (p = 0.008), the expiratory peak flow (p = 0.004) and the axillary amplitude index (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The Pilates Method was effective in increasing the respiratory muscle strength, reducing expiratory flow limitation and improving the axillary region mobility. So, it can be used in conjunction with respiratory physical therapy in patients with COPD. (AU)