Influência da manipulação do foco atencional sobre a atenção seletiva visual, tempo de reação e capacidade funcional de mulheres idosas praticantes do método Pilates

Abstract

Introduction: Cognitive changes resulting from aging, such as reduced visual selective attention (VSA) and increased reaction time (RT), can compromise the functional capacity of older adults. The Pilates Method (PM), characterized as a multicomponent physical exercise, combines motor and cognitive demands within a single session. In this context, manipulating attentional focus during practice may influence performance in cognitive and functional aspects, making it a relevant factor to explore in interventions with this population. Objective: To examine the influence of attentional focus manipulation during 24 weeks of PM training on VSA, RT, and functional capacity in older women. Methods: This is an experimental study involving 62 older women, randomly assigned to three intervention groups: IFG (internal focus), EFG (external focus), and MFG (mixed focus). The intervention protocol lasted 24 weeks. Specific assessments were conducted for VSA, RT (fast, slow, mean, and total components), and functional capacity. Statistical analyses were performed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), with gamma distribution for asymmetric variables and normal distribution for symmetric variables. Additionally, effect size analyses (Cohen’s d) and association tests between engagement and focus type (chi-square and Cramer’s V) were applied. Results: No statistically significant group-by-time interactions were observed. However, a significant time effect was found for all assessed variables, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The MFG group showed better performance in functional capacity, while the EFG group demonstrated significant improvement in VSA over time. Engagement analysis revealed higher adherence to the protocol in the MFG group (p < 0.001; V = 0.34). Conclusion: PM practice contributed to improvements in cognitive and motor functions in older women, regardless of the type of attentional focus adopted. However, specific advantages were observed for mixed focus in terms of program adherence and for external focus instructions in improving VSA.