Phototherapy in Association to Resistance Training in the Elderly: the Effect on Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass and Functional Capacity

Phototherapy in Association to Resistance Training in the Elderly: the Effect on Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass and Functional Capacity

Phototherapy has been largely used in rehabilitation programs due to its analgesic, antiinflammatory and healing effects. Lately, its effects of optimizing the results of resistance training on young individuals have been studied. However, there is a lack of studies on its effect on the elderly population. The objective of the present study is to verify the effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on the results of resistance training in the elderly. The study will be a randomized doubled-blinded controlled trial. 30 elderly men with age ranging from 60 to 80 years will be included and randomized between Placebo Group (placebo LLLT + Resistance Training) and LLLT Group (active LLLT + Resistance Training). All volunteers will be submitted to a control period of four weeks before the beginning of the resistance training, which will have 12 weeks of duration. The assessments will be done at baseline, after the control period and after the training period. The training sessions will be performed twice a week and the training protocol will be performed with repetition maximum periodization. The LLLT will be applied before the training sessions on eight points of the quadriceps muscles, leading to a total of 240 Joules on each leg. The placebo LLLT will be applied on the same way, but with the equipment turned off. The assessments will include muscle architecture by ultrasonography, muscle strength by isokinetic dynamometer and 1 Repetition Maximum test of leg-extension and leg-press exercises, and functional capacity by the 6-Minute Walking Test, 30s Sit to Stand Test, Timed Up-and-Go Test and Stair Ascent Test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elderly men with age ranging from 60 to 80 years in condition to participate in the strength training program.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who already participate in strength training programs;
• Individuals who participated in strength training programs less than three months before the beginning of the study;
• Individuals with any kind musculoskeletal injuries in the lower limbs that impair the performance of the exercises;
• Individuals with contraindications to the performance of high intensity exercises, such as cardiovascular or neurological diseases;
• Individuals with difficulties in understanding and/or performing the exercises;
• Individuals who did not attend to at least 85% of the sessions or had 02 consecutive absences and did not recover them.