Atividade física equestre para a saúde: uma revisão sistemática
Resumo
O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos de vários programas de treino equestre na composição corporal, determinantes da intensidade do exercício, capacidade aeróbia e força muscular como estratégia de saúde. Foi realizada uma pesquisa de artigos em inglês e espanhol que utilizaram programas de intervenção equestre, bem como a identificação de variáveis relacionadas com a saúde e os seus efeitos nas capacidades físicas em diferentes grupos populacionais. As bases de dados PubMed, EBSCO e Cochrane Library foram revistas, considerando publicações até 1 de dezembro de 2024. Foram selecionados oito artigos por cumprirem os critérios de inclusão estabelecidos. A revisão foi realizada de acordo com as diretrizes PRISMA. Entre os resultados obtidos, em relação às capacidades físicas, observou-se que os cavaleiros profissionais apresentam um maior tónus muscular geral, que o trote combinado com o galope impõe a maior exigência metabólica, bem como o maior consumo de oxigénio, e que o galope é o fator mais significativo no aumento da frequência cardíaca. A composição corporal apresentou alterações em todos os casos em que foi medida, com aumento da massa magra e diminuição da massa gorda, do IMC e do peso corporal. Em conclusão, a atividade equestre pode ser uma alternativa adequada para programas de intervenção em indivíduos com excesso de peso ou obesidade.
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