The improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy women after a 12-week Classical Pilates training / A melhoria da aptidão cardiorrespiratória em mulheres saudáveis depois de 12 semanas de treinamento no Pilates Clássico

Aims: to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of Pilates training (Classical Method) on cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate responses of healthy sedentary women. Method: fifteen women (average age 29±4) performed 12 weeks of Pilates training for 60 minutes, three times per week (Pilates Group). Thirteen women (average age 29±5) as controls maintained their routine activities (Control Group). The exercises' introduction was by the degree of difficulty with changes in the plane of movements; smaller base of support; spinal rotations and extensions; use of abdominal muscles in prone position. Heart rate was monitored and recorded during all sessions using a heart frequency meter. Results: ANOVA analysis results revealed significant difference in Pilates Group (p < 0.05) between pre and post measures of VO2peak (+13%), fat percentage (- 3.3%), free fat mass (+ 2.8 kg), and muscular endurance in the abdominal area (+61%), lower limbs (+75%) and upper limbs (+68%). The percent of Maximum Heart Rate achieved in the 6th (79.25%) and 12th (79.86%) weeks of training increased from the first week (73.4%). Physical fitness in Control Group remained unchanged. Conclusion: twelve weeks of Pilates training positively affected overall physical fitness in previously sedentary healthy women. Furthermore, the increase in VO2peak and achieved Maximum Heart Rate was significant even with no specific aerobic training.

Objetivos: avaliar os efeitos de 12 semanas de treinamento de Pilates (Método Clássico) sobre o condicionamento cardiorrespiratório e respostas da frequência cardíaca de mulheres sedentárias saudáveis. Métodos: quinze mulheres realizaram 12 semanas de treinamento de Pilates durante 60 minutos, três vezes por semana (Grupo Pilates), com média de idade 29±4 anos. Treze mulheres com idade compatível com os controles mantiveram suas atividades rotineiras (Grupo Controle), com média de idade de 29±5 anos. A introdução dos exercícios foi pelo grau de dificuldade com mudança nos planos de movimento; menor base de suporte; rotação e extensão da coluna; e ativação da musculatura abdominal em posição de decúbito ventral. A frequência cardíaca foi monitorada e gravada durante todas as sessões usando um frequencímetro. Resultados: Os resultados da ANOVA revelaram diferença significativa no Grupo Pilates (p < 0,05) entre medidas pré e pós de VO2pico (+13%), percentual de gordura (- 3,3%), massa gorda livre (+ 2,8 kg), e resistência muscular da área abdominal (+61%), membros inferiores (+75%) e dos membros superiores (+68%). O percentual de Frequência Cardíaca Máxima alcançado na sexta (79,25%) e na décima primeira (79,86%) semanas de treinamento aumentou a partir da primeira semana (73,4%). A aptidão física do Grupo Controle permaneceu inalterada. Conclusão: doze semanas de treinamento de Pilates afetaram positivamente o condicionamento físico geral em mulheres saudáveis anteriormente sedentárias. Além disso, o aumento do VO2pico e da Frequência Cardíaca Máxima foi significativo mesmo sem treinamento aeróbico específico.

Serum S100B but not NSE levels are increased in morbidly obese individuals affected by obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is considered a comorbidity associated with morbid obesity, mainly because of the large neck circumference. Depending on its severity, OSAHS can interfere in many homeostasis systems, for example, the central nervous system (CNS). Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100B protein derived from astrocytes are considered sensitive biochemical markers of cerebral injury. We evaluated serum S100B and NSE levels in this study with the aim of detecting possible cerebral injury as a consequence of OSAHS. METHODS: This was a transverse study with data from 25 morbidly obese patients with OSAHS. Blood samples were collected before and after polysomnography (PSG) to determine S100B and NSE protein levels. We also analyzed data evaluating depression and excessive daytime sleepiness. RESULTS: S100B levels were higher after [0.029 (0.010-0.199) mg/l] compared to before [0.010 (0.010-0.025) mg/l] on PSG (P = 0.002). S100B levels were expressed as means and IQ25-IQ75. NSE levels did not show significant differences before and after PSG. CONCLUSION: Our study shows a significant increase in S100B level after PSG compared to before. This suggests that there is a CNS astrocyte reaction because of possible cerebral hypoxemia in morbidly obese patients with OSAHS.