Treinamento de força para idosos : comparação da força de preensão manual no uso de pesos livres ou máquinas

Abstract

Human aging is a natural process that is related to several biological changes over time. Modifications of organic structures and functions expose the elderly to the emergence of diseases. In the muscular system, there is a loss of muscle mass, function and strength. Research has verified a negative relationship between low levels of muscle strength and the increase in functional limitations, comorbidities and mortality in the elderly, demonstrating the importance of maintaining adequate muscle strength levels. The isometric handgrip strength test is commonly used to establish muscle strength levels in the elderly. Higher levels of handgrip strength are related to protective agents of physical limitations, physical dependence and early mortality. The practice of strength training is an efficient methodology to maintain and increase muscle strength levels. Strength training is physical training consisting of exercises that require muscles to move against an opposing force. Free weights and machines are modalities of external resistance regularly used as an opposing force in strength training. Nevertheless, these equipments differ in appearance, biomechanics and selection strategy within a periodization. Due to these differences, the scientific community wonders which one is more efficient for different outcomes in different age groups. Therefore, the introduction, literature review and conclusion of this dissertation were based on the topics mentioned above. A scientific article of systematic review and meta-analysis was developed to compare whether there was a significant difference between the results of the application of strength training that used free weights with those that used machines in the handgrip strength of the elderly. This research followed the protocols of Cochrane and The PRISMA Statement and the requirements requested by PROSPERO. The literature search was performed in electronic databases: Cochrane Library; EMBASE (Elsevier); MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine); SCOPUS (Elsevier); Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics); and Science Direct. The result of this research was that there was no difference between strength training for older adults with free weights or machines.