Abstract
Introduction: The deleterious processes of aging tend to cause a decrease in functional capacity, which affect the development of activities of daily living (ADL), and a reduction in the levels of the growth factor insulin simile-1 (insulin-like growth factor I – IGF-1) in seniors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of aquatic exercise on serum IGF-1 levels and functional autonomy (FA) in older women. Methods: The study was characterized as an experimental research. The sample was composed of 28 older volunteers, who were randomly divided by simple raffles into two groups: aquatic exercise group (GEA, n = 14; age: 66.55 ± 3.77 years; BMI: 27.03 ± 5.44 kg / m2) and control group (CG, n = 14; age: 66.33 ± 4.52 years; BMI: 29.82 ± 4.96 kg / m2). O GEA carried out an aquatic exercise program in a heated swimming pool (27 to 29º C) with a depth of 1.00 to 1.40m, in which the volunteers were asked to position themselves so that the water surface remained in the axillary line. The intervention was performed frequently 3 times a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Each class session was made up of joint rewarming, main part and calm down, totaling 50 minutes in duration. Supportive movement patterns were used to allow sufficient time for transitions and readjustment of body alignment. Exercises in the three planes of movement were still preferred to maintain or increase the amplitude of the articular arches. Weight equipment and floats were used to increase the degree of effort of the training sessions. During the entire period of the experiment, the CG was oriented in maintaining daily activities and committed to not practicing physical exercise. The blood samples were obtained in the morning, without the need for a complete fast, I only avoid the ingestion of milk and derivatives, and rest. The serum IGF-1 analysis was performed by the Chemiluminescence Method. FA was evaluated by means of the GDLAM autonomy protocol tests – walking 10 m (C10 m), getting up from the sitting position (LPS), getting up from the prone position (LPDV), getting up from the chair and locomotion by the house (LCLC) and wear and remove a shirt (VTC) – and the GDLAM index of autonomy (GI) was calculated. Results: The ANVOVA with repeated measures revealed that the older GEA obtained a significant increase in serum IGF-1 levels after the intervention (∆% = 41.17; p-value = 0.031) and when compared to or CG (∆% = – 5.71). Or IGF-1 increased significantly in the pre period for the post-intervention (∆% = 33.61; p-value = 0.027). In relation to AF, or GEA, I obtained a significant reduction in the execution times in the tests (p <0.05) of the GDLAM protocol, with the exception of the LCLC test, and the IG (p <0.05). Or GC did not show changes in the levels of IGF-1 and AF. Conclusion: The intervention with 12 weeks of aquatic exercise can contribute to the increase of serum levels of IGF-1 and improvement of PA in older adults. In this way, aquatic exercises can improve performance in ADLs and change more autonomous major ones.