OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aquatic exercise on mental health, functional autonomy and oxidative stress parameters in depressed elderly individuals. METHODS: Initially, ninety-two elderly individuals were included in the study and were allocated into the depression group (n=16) and nondepression group (n=14). Both groups engaged in the aquatic exercise program for 12 weeks, including two weekly sessions (45 min/session) at a low intensity (between 50% and 60% of maximal heart rate or Borg scale scores of 13 to 14) throughout the intervention. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks later. RESULTS: The patients were 63.5±8.8 years old. The following scores were decreased after training in the depressed group: depression (53%), anxiety (48%), and Timed Up & Go (33%). The following scores increased: Berg Balance Scale (9%) and flexibility (44%). Regarding the blood-based parameters, there were decreases in protein carbonylation (46%) and nitric oxide (60%) and increases in glutathione (170%) and superoxide dismutase (160%) in the depression group (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The aquatic exercise program reduces depression and anxiety, improves functional autonomy and decreases oxidative stress in depressed elderly individuals.

Resumo Objetivo investigar os efeitos de um programa de natação supervisionado sobre parâmetros bioquímicos, qualidade de vida e capacidade física funcional em cadeirante portador de poliomielite. Metodologia Estudo de caso longitudinal com dois indivíduos portadores de poliomielite, do sexo feminino, submetidos a um programa de natação de 12 semanas, com frequência de duas sessões semanais e duração das aulas de 60 minutos. Foram feitas análises bioquímicas através de hemograma, parâmetros de qualidade de vida, com o SF-36 e testes de aptidão física funcional de alcançar atrás das costas e arremesso. As avaliações foram feitas 48 horas antes e após o programa de treinamento. Resultados O programa de natação reduziu em 19% o colesterol, 18% o triglicerídeo, 11% a glicose, 42% os níveis de ansiedade. Concomitantemente, aumentou a saúde geral em 13%, a mental em 11%, a força de membros superiores em 10% e a flexibilidade em 23%.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a supervised swimming program on biochemical parameters, quality of life and functional physical capacity in poliomyelitis - bearing wheelchair users. Methodology Longitudinal case / control study, both with poliomyelitis, female wheelchair users. The evaluations were made forty-eight hours pre- and post-training program. Our results indicate that the swimming program reduced cholesterol by 19%, triglyceride by 18%, glucose by 11%, and anxiety levels by 42%. Concomitantly, overall health increased by 13%, mental health by 11%, upper limb strength by 10%, and flexibility by 23%.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos de un programa de natación supervisado en parámetros bioquímicos, calidad de vida y capacidad física funcional en usuarios de silla para poliomielítico. Métodos Estudio longitudinal de casos y controles con dos individuos poliomielíticos, de sexo femenino, que siguieron un programa de natación de doce semanas de duración, con una frecuencia de dos sesiones semanales y clases en aula de sesenta minutos. Las evaluaciones se realizaron 48 horas antes y después del programa de entrenamiento. Nuestros resultados muestran que el programa de natación redujo el colesterol el 19%, los triglicéridos el 18%, la glucosa el 11% y los niveles de ansiedad el 42%. Al mismo tiempo, la salud general aumentó el 13%, la salud mental el 11%, la fuerza de las extremidades superiores el 10% y la flexibilidad el 23%.