STRENGTH EXERCISE TRAINING ASSOCIATED WITH LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY IN MUSCLE STRENGTH, FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND BALANCE OF OLDER WOMEN

Vassão P.G.¹, Toma R.L.², Moreira Antunes H.K.², Muniz Renno A.C.²

¹Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, Biocinecies, Santos, Brazil, ²Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, Brazil

Background: Aging is associated with structural changes in muscle tissue, which leads to loss of functional independence and increase in the risk of falls. The preservation of the muscle strength through training program has high clinical significance. Moreover, by associating with the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) must be highlighted.

Purpose: The aim was investigate the effects of strength training program associated with LLLT (808nm, 100mW, 35.7 W/cm2 and 7J) on muscle strength, functional capacity and balance in older women.

Methods: We investigated twenty- seven subjects was divided in Placebo Group (n= 13) and Active Group (n=14) (range 60-70 years), entered a randomized double-blinded placebo- controlled trial. The functionality was evaluated by 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Short Physical Performance Balance (SPPB), while the Fall Risk Test and the Postural Stability Test were evaluated through Balance System Biodex (BBS). Muscle strength was analyzed by One Maximum Repetition (1- MR). The exercise protocol consisted of knee flexion- extension exercise performed during 8 weeks followed by application of LLLT.

Results: The results showed a significant increase in 6MWT (p=0.001), SPPB (p=0.006) and 1-MR (p=0.001) in both groups after strength training. In Postural Stability Test, only the active group presented a significant decrease in stability index (p=0.007) and in Fall Risk (p=0.005).

Conclusion(s): The strength training was significant in the gain muscle strength and functionality, and when combined with the LLLT was significant in the postural stability and risk of falls.

Implications: LLLT is effective in muscle performance. These findings bring important results to combat sarcopenia in elderly women.

Funding acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge the contributions of Brazilian funding agency Fapesp (2013/05460-0)

Topic: Older people

Ethics approval: All 
procedures were approved by the Ethics Committee of Federal University of São Paulo (Approval Number 
 195.800)

All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.