Worldwide prevalence of sleep problems in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The understanding of the prevalence of sleep problems in older adults can provide a broad and reliable perspective into the occurrence of such issues among older adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the worldwide prevalence of sleep problems in community-dwelling older adults. Studies that provide information on the prevalence of sleep problems in community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) were screened between December 2022 and March 2023. A total of 20,379 studies were identified in database searches, from which 252 were included in this review. These studies covered the last 35 years (from 1988 to 2023) and pooled a sample of 995,544 participants from 36 countries. The most frequent sleep problem worldwide was obstructive sleep apnea (46.0%), followed by poor sleep quality (40.0%), other sleep problems (37.0%), insomnia (29.0%), and excessive daytime sleepiness (19.0%). No significant difference in the prevalence estimates of all sleep problems was observed between the sexes. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of some sleep problems, mainly obstructive sleep apnea, poor sleep quality, and other sleep problems. Our estimates can be useful for managers and policymakers in planning healthcare strategies for sleep problems aimed at the older population.

LOW BACK PAIN ESTIMATES IN PROFESSIONAL SOCCER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of low back pain (LBP) in adult professional soccer players. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: The review included 44 studies. The pooled prevalence of LBP during ≤ 1 season was 1% (95%CI = 0-4%) in men. The pooled point prevalence of LBP was 25% (95%CI = 16-36%) in men and 28% (95%CI = 20-37%) in women. The pooled past-year prevalence of LBP was 34% (95%CI = 24-44%) in men. The pooled lifetime prevalence of LBP was 32% (95%CI = 25-39%) in men and 50% (95%CI = 32-69%) in women. The pooled frequency of LBP/total number of injuries was 2% (95%CI = 1-3%) in men and 4% (95%CI = 2-5%) in women. The pooled incidence rate of LBP/1,000 player-hours of exposure was 0.30 (95%CI = 0.17- 0.53) in men and 0.32 (95%CI = 0.06 -1.87) in women. The recurrence of LBP ranged from 3% to 63% in men. The intensity of LBP ranged from 1.68 (2.39) to 4.87 (2.14) points on a 0-10 scale (minimum = 0 and maximum = 8 points). The severity of LBP (days absent from professional activities due to pain) ranged from 2 (0) to 10 (19) days (minimum = 1 and maximum = 28 days). Conclusion: Adult elite soccer players have a substantial prevalence of LBP. The frequency and incidence of LBP (compared with other conditions and sports) seems to be low. Estimates of the recurrence, intensity, and severity of LBP are uncertain. Level of Evidence II, Systematic Review of Level II Studies.

Objetivo: Investigar as características epidemiológicas e clínicas da lombalgia em jogadores profissionais de futebol. Métodos: Revisão sistemática e metanálise. Resultados: A revisão incluiu 44 estudos. A prevalência combinada de lombalgia em até uma temporada foi de 1% (IC95% = 0-4%) em homens. A prevalência pontual combinada de lombalgia foi de 25% (IC95% = 16-36%) em homens e 28% (IC95% = 20-37%) em mulheres. A prevalência combinada de lombalgia no último ano foi de 34% (IC95% = 24-44%) em homens. A prevalência combinada de lombalgia ao longo da vida foi de 32%(IC95% = 25-39%) em homens e 50% (IC95% = 32-69%) em mulheres. A frequência combinada de lombalgia/número total de lesões foi de 2% (IC95% = 1-3%) em homens e 4% (IC95% = 2-5%) em mulheres. A taxa de incidência combinada de lombalgia/1.000 jogador-horas de exposição foi de 0,30 (IC95% = 0,17-0,53) em homens e 0,32 (IC95% = 0,06-1,87) em mulheres. A recorrência de lombalgia variou entre 3-63% em homens. A intensidade da lombalgia variou entre 1,68 (2,39)-4,87 (2,14) pontos em uma escala de 0-10 (mínimo = 0; máximo = 8 pontos). A gravidade da lombalgia (ausência das atividades profissionais devido à dor) variou entre 2 (0)-10 (19) dias (mínimo = 1; máximo = 28 dias). Conclusão: Jogadores de futebol profissional apresentam alta prevalência de lombalgia substancial. A frequência e a incidência da lombalgia parecem ser baixas comparadas a outros esportes e condições. As estimativas de recorrência, intensidade e gravidade da lombalgia são incertas. Nível de Evidência II, Revisão Sistemática de Estudos de Nível II.

The impact of low back pain and disability on frailty levels in older women: longitudinal data from the BACE-Brazil cohort.

METHODS: This is a longitudinal observational study with a convenience subsample from the international Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE)-Brazil. Frailty was assessed by researchers at baseline, 6 and 12 months according to the Frailty Phenotype. Pain was assessed using a Numerical Pain Scale (NPS). Disability was assessed using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 155 older women (70.4 ± 5.4 years) participated. Follow-up for 6 and 12 months in this study was associated with a change of older women to worse frailty levels (OR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.98-4.67; p < 0.01). A significant association was observed between greater pain intensity and the transition of the older women through the frailty levels (ß = - 0.73; p < 0.01) when inserting the pain variable at baseline of the statistical model. Older women who reported greater pain intensity worsened their frailty level. The same happened when the disability variable was inserted in the model (ß = - 0.74; p < 0.01). The criteria proposed by Fried et al. were able to identify frailty throughout the follow-up and no prevalence of any item. CONCLUSIONS: In older women, relevant factors such as pain and disability are closely linked to the frailty phenomenon. Thus, the frailty syndrome must be assessed, monitored and treated in relation to the individualities of older adults, as those with back pain and greater disabilities are more susceptible to frailty.

Low back pain estimates in professional soccer: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Estimativas da dor lombar no futebol profissional: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of low back pain (LBP) in adult professional soccer players. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: The review included 44 studies. The pooled prevalence of LBP during ≤ 1 season was 1% (95%CI = 0-4%) in men. The pooled point prevalence of LBP was 25% (95%CI = 16-36%) in men and 28% (95%CI = 20-37%) in women. The pooled past-year prevalence of LBP was 34% (95%CI = 24-44%) in men. The pooled lifetime prevalence of LBP was 32% (95%CI = 25-39%) in men and 50% (95%CI = 32-69%) in women. The pooled frequency of LBP/total number of injuries was 2% (95%CI = 1-3%) in men and 4% (95%CI = 2-5%) in women. The pooled incidence rate of LBP/1,000 player-hours of exposure was 0.30 (95%CI = 0.17- 0.53) in men and 0.32 (95%CI = 0.06 -1.87) in women. The recurrence of LBP ranged from 3% to 63% in men. The intensity of LBP ranged from 1.68 (2.39) to 4.87 (2.14) points on a 0-10 scale (minimum = 0 and maximum = 8 points). The severity of LBP (days absent from professional activities due to pain) ranged from 2 (0) to 10 (19) days (minimum = 1 and maximum = 28 days). Conclusion: Adult elite soccer players have a substantial prevalence of LBP. The frequency and incidence of LBP (compared with other conditions and sports) seems to be low. Estimates of the recurrence, intensity, and severity of LBP are uncertain. Level of Evidence II, Systematic Review of Level II Studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar as características epidemiológicas e clínicas da lombalgia em jogadores profissionais de futebol. Métodos: Revisão sistemática e metanálise. Resultados: A revisão incluiu 44 estudos. A prevalência combinada de lombalgia em até uma temporada foi de 1% (IC95% = 0-4%) em homens. A prevalência pontual combinada de lombalgia foi de 25% (IC95% = 16-36%) em homens e 28% (IC95% = 20-37%) em mulheres. A prevalência combinada de lombalgia no último ano foi de 34% (IC95% = 24-44%) em homens. A prevalência combinada de lombalgia ao longo da vida foi de 32%(IC95% = 25-39%) em homens e 50% (IC95% = 32-69%) em mulheres. A frequência combinada de lombalgia/número total de lesões foi de 2% (IC95% = 1-3%) em homens e 4% (IC95% = 2-5%) em mulheres. A taxa de incidência combinada de lombalgia/1.000 jogador-horas de exposição foi de 0,30 (IC95% = 0,17-0,53) em homens e 0,32 (IC95% = 0,06-1,87) em mulheres. A recorrência de lombalgia variou entre 3-63% em homens. A intensidade da lombalgia variou entre 1,68 (2,39)-4,87 (2,14) pontos em uma escala de 0-10 (mínimo = 0; máximo = 8 pontos). A gravidade da lombalgia (ausência das atividades profissionais devido à dor) variou entre 2 (0)-10 (19) dias (mínimo = 1; máximo = 28 dias). Conclusão: Jogadores de futebol profissional apresentam alta prevalência de lombalgia substancial. A frequência e a incidência da lombalgia parecem ser baixas comparadas a outros esportes e condições. As estimativas de recorrência, intensidade e gravidade da lombalgia são incertas. Nível de Evidência II, Revisão Sistemática de Estudos de Nível II.

Attitudes and beliefs of older adults with acute low back pain: 12-month results from the Brazilian cohort back complaints in the elders.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial factors have been identified as important predictors of onset, course and persistence of low back pain (LBP) in the general population. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with attitudes/beliefs in older adults with LBP throughout a 12-month follow-up. METHODS: A longitudinal investigation was conducted with 500 participants aged ≥60 years reporting a new (acute) episode of nonspecific LBP. Data were obtained at baseline, 6-week, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month interviews. The study variables were: [dependent] LBP-related attitudes/beliefs that were assessed by the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ); [independent] age; sex; LBP intensity 'at-the-present-time' of interview and 'over-the-past-week' before interview; LBP frequency; LBP-related treatments; disability; mobility; depressive symptoms; self-perceived recovery; expectation of pain improvement; and expectation for returning to activities. Data were analysed by multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: At baseline, 85.7% of the participants were female, had mean age of 69.0 (6.3) years, mean BBQ score of 24.5 (6.5), and 79.6% reported pain complaints after an acute episode of LBP. After 12 months, participants maintained a mean BBQ score of 24.6 (6.6) and 63.3% still reported pain complaints after an acute episode of LBP at baseline. Multivariate analysis showed that disability, advancing age, poor expectation of pain improvement in 3 months, and mobility decline were significantly associated with worse BBQ scores during all follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Ageing, hopelessness, and physical and functional impairment impact pain-related behaviours among older patients seeking healthcare due to acute LBP complaints. Their screening may assist in strategies to manage symptoms and prevent the persistence of pain.

Knee extension strength and handgrip strength are important predictors of Timed Up and Go test performance among community-dwelling elderly women: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip and knee extension strengths have each been used to characterize disability. However, it has been reported that the association between handgrip and knee extension strengths is weak. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of knee extensor and handgrip muscle strength on Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results among elderly women with worse (≥ 10 seconds) and better (< 10 seconds) performance, after controlling for confounders. DATA AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on a sample selected according to convenience, carried out in a federal public institution of higher education. METHODS: Assessment of handgrip was carried out using the Jamar dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, Inc., Lafayette, United States). Knee extensor muscle performance was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3 Pro; Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., United States), The confounding factors were education, age, comorbidities, body mass index and Geriatric Depression Scale and Human Activity Profile scores. Functional performance was assessed through the TUG test. A backward linear regression model was used. RESULTS: 127 elderly women performed the TUG test in more than 10 seconds and 93 in less than 10 seconds. However, regardless of test performance, handgrip strength and knee extension strength comprised the reduced final model. CONCLUSIONS: Knee extension strength and handgrip strength might be particularly useful indicators for measuring disability.

Knee extension strength and handgrip strength are important predictors of Timed Up and Go test performance among community-dwelling elderly women: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Handgrip and knee extension strengths have each been used to characterize disability. However, it has been reported that the association between handgrip and knee extension strengths is weak. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of knee extensor and handgrip muscle strength on Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results among elderly women with worse (≥ 10 seconds) and better (< 10 seconds) performance, after controlling for confounders. DATA AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on a sample selected according to convenience, carried out in a federal public institution of higher education. METHODS: Assessment of handgrip was carried out using the Jamar dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, Inc., Lafayette, United States). Knee extensor muscle performance was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3 Pro; Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., United States), The confounding factors were education, age, comorbidities, body mass index and Geriatric Depression Scale and Human Activity Profile scores. Functional performance was assessed through the TUG test. A backward linear regression model was used. RESULTS: 127 elderly women performed the TUG test in more than 10 seconds and 93 in less than 10 seconds. However, regardless of test performance, handgrip strength and knee extension strength comprised the reduced final model. CONCLUSIONS: Knee extension strength and handgrip strength might be particularly useful indicators for measuring disability.

Cross-cultural adaptation, validity and reproducibility of the Back Beliefs Questionnaire among older Brazilians with acute low back pain. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) has emerging as an epidemic, multifactorial and multidimensional condition in older age. Assessment of attitudes and beliefs of patients with back pain is necessary for understanding the impact of psychosocial factors on pain perception and management. OBJECTIVES: To cross-culturally adapt and examine the validity and reproducibility (intra and interrater reliability and agreement) of the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) in older Brazilians with acute LBP. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional methodological report conducted at the Department of Physical Therapy of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: The present study was conducted for translating, adapting, and examining the psychometric properties of a questionnaire. Participants aged ≥ 60 years experiencing an acute episode of LBP were recruited. Coefficients of internal consistency, reliability and agreement were obtained using Cronbach's α, intraclass correlations, and standard error of measurement and the smallest detectable change, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-six participants aged between 60-84 years and reporting a mean of 9.8 (4.3) years of schooling completed the study. The Brazilian Portuguese-language version of the BBQ (BBQ-Brazil) was proposed and presented with adequate conceptual, semantic, operational, and measurement equivalence from the original version. Intra and interrater evaluations showed moderate (0.74) and excellent (0.91) intraclass correlation coefficients, respectively, with small standard error of measurement for both evaluations. Internal consistency was considered adequate (0.70). CONCLUSION: BBQ-Brazil had consistent measurements of validity and reproducibility, and proved to be a valuable tool in clinical practice for addressing attitudes and beliefs of older patients with acute LBP.

Influence of the number and severity of comorbidities in the course of acute non-specific low back pain in older adults: longitudinal results from the Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE-Brazil).

BACKGROUND: The presence of comorbidities is quite common in older adults. However, the effects of comorbidities on the course of acute low back pain (LBP) are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the number and severity of comorbidities on the severity of pain and disability 3 months from baseline in people with an acute episode of non-specific LBP. METHODS: Data from the Back Complaints in the Elders study, a cohort that enrolled 602 community-dwelling older adults with acute LBP at baseline, were used in these analyses. Comorbidities, pain intensity and disability were assessed using the Self-Administered Comorbidities Questionnaire (SCQ), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), respectively. Age, sex, marital status, education, income and body mass index were covariates. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 67.6 ± 7.0 years. Both pain and disability scores decreased from 7.2 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.0-7.4) to 5.8 (95% CI 5.5-6.1) in NRS and from 13.5 (95% CI 13.0-14.1) to 12.0 (95% CI 11.4-12.7) in RMDQ 3 months from baseline. The linear regression analysis showed a significant association between SCQ scores at baseline and pain (coefficient = 0.16, 95% CI 0.08-0.24; P < 0.001) or disability (coefficient = 0.29, 95% CI 0.16-0.41; P < 0.001) scores at the 3-month follow-up, after adjusting for confounders. Participants with highest SCQ scores were less likely to report improvement of at least 30% in pain (OR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.22-0.79; P = 0.008) and disability (OR: 0.42, 95% CI 0.28-0.85; P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The presence and severity of comorbidities were independently associated with the prognosis of acute non-specific LBP in older adults.

Prevalence of falls and associated factors in community-dwelling older Brazilians: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Falls determine huge epidemiological, clinical, and economic burden in the older population worldwide, presenting high odds of severe disability. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of falls and associated factors in older Brazilians using a systematic review with meta-analysis. Searches were performed in SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO databases with no date or language restrictions. Studies on community-dwelling older persons aged ≥ 60 years from both sexes and with a sample size of ≥ 300 participants included. Exclusion criteria were studies conducted specifically for older adults diagnosed with chronic disabling diseases that predispose them to falls. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal tool focusing on prevalence designs. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the prevalence of falls across studies. Exploratory analysis was conducted examining subgroup estimates, prevalence ratios and meta-regression. Thirty-seven studies involving 58,597 participants were included. Twelve-month prevalence of falls was 27% (95%CI: 24.3-30.0), with significantly higher estimates in female than male (PR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.32-1.86), in age group ≥ 80 years than age group 60-69 years (PR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.15-1.84), and in participants from the Central region than participants from the South region (PR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.10-1.69) of Brazil. Risk of bias scores did not impact heterogeneity in the 12-month meta-analysis. These estimates strongly support evidence-based public interventions to prevent falls in older Brazilians, especially in women and the oldest-old population.

Prevalence of injuries in brazilian recreational street runners: meta-analysis / Prevalência de lesões em corredores de rua amadores brasileiros: metanálise / Prevalencia de lesiones en corredores de calle aficionados brasileños: meta-análisis

ABSTRACT Street running is an accessible, low-cost form of exercise. However, the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries may hinder regular practice. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of injuries in Brazilian street runners and the associated factors. A meta-analysis of Brazilian studies was performed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of injuries in male and female recreational street runners aged ≥18 years. We excluded systematic review studies, research conducted on professional athletes or triathletes, and duplicate articles. The following databases were used: SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Keywords such as "prevalence," "injury," "recreational street runners," and "Brazil" were used. Prevalence analysis was performed using the random effect model, and a funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. Then the Begg-Mazumdar and Egger tests were applied to quantify the graph results. The Prevalence Critical Appraisal Instrument was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Associated factors were analyzed with meta-regression analysis. Twenty-three studies with 3,786 runners were included in the review. The prevalence of injury was 36.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.8-42.5%), and a running distance per week greater than 20 km was a predictive variable of injuries. A higher prevalence of injuries was observed in men than in women (28.3%, 95% CI 22.5-35.0%), the knee was the most affected site of injury (32.9%, 95% CI 26.7-39.6%), and muscle injuries were the most frequent type of injury (27.9%, 95% CI 18.2-40.1%). This is the first national meta-analysis conducted to investigate the prevalence of injuries in recreational street runners. Although the prevalence of injuries was moderate, caution is required in terms of the weekly duration of running. Male runners are more susceptible, and muscle and knee injuries are the most common. Level of evidence II, Systematic reviewb of Level II Studies.

RESUMO A corrida de rua é uma forma de exercício acessível e de baixo custo. No entanto, a ocorrência de lesões musculoesqueléticas pode dificultar a prática regular. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de lesões em corredores de rua brasileiros e os fatores associados. Foi realizada uma metanálise de estudos brasileiros para investigara prevalência e os fatores de risco de lesão em corredores de rua amadores, de ambos os sexos, com idade ≥ 18 anos. Foram excluídos estudos de revisão sistemática, pesquisas com atletas profissionais ou triatletas e os artigos duplicados. As buscas eletrônicas foram feitas nos seguintes bancos de dados: SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science e Google Acadêmico. Foram usados descritores como "prevalência", "lesão", "corredores de rua amadores" e "Brasil". A análise de prevalência foi realizada com o modelo de efeito aleatório, e um gráfico de funil foi usado para avaliar o viés de publicação. Em seguida, os testes Begg-Mazumdar e Egger foram aplicados para quantificar os resultados do gráfico. O Prevalence Critical Appraisal Instrument foi usado para avaliar a qualidade metodológica dos estudos. Os fatores associados foram analisados com análise de metarregressão. Vinte e três estudos, totalizando 3.786 corredores foram incluídos na revisão. A prevalência de lesões foi de 36,5% (intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95% 30,8-42,5%), e a distância percorrida por semana superior a 20 km foi uma variável preditiva de lesões. Observou-se maior prevalência de lesões em homens do que em mulheres (28,3%, IC de 95% 22,5-35,0%). O joelho foi o local mais acometido (32,9%, (IC de 95% 26,7-39,6%) e as lesões musculares foram as mais frequentes (27,9%, IC de 95% 18,2-40,1%). Esta é a primeira metanálise nacional a investigar a prevalência de lesões em corredores de rua amadores. Embora a prevalência de lesões tenha sido moderada, é preciso ter cautela em termos da duração semanal da corrida. Os corredores do sexo masculino são mais suscetíveis, e as lesões musculares e do joelho são as mais comuns. Nível de evidência II, Revisão sistemáticab de Estudos de Nível II.

RESUMEN La carrera de calle es una modalidad de accesible y de bajo costo. Sin embargo, la aparición de lesiones musculo esqueléticas puede dificultar la práctica regular. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de lesiones en corredores de calle brasileños y los factores asociados. Se realizó un meta-análisis de estudios brasileños que investigaron la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo de lesión en corredores de calle aficionados, de ambos sexos, con edad ≥ 18 años. Se excluyeron estudios de revisión sistemática, investigaciones con atletas profesionales o triatletas y los artículos duplicados. Las búsquedas electrónicas se realizaron en las siguientes bases de datos: SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science y Google Académico. Se utilizaron descriptores como "prevalencia", "lesión", "corredores de calle aficionados" y "Brasil". El análisis de prevalencia se realizó con el modelo de efecto aleatorio, y un gráfico de embudo se utilizó para evaluar el sesgo de publicación. A continuación, se aplicaron las pruebas Begg-Mazumdar y Egger para cuantificar los resultados del gráfico. El Prevalence Critical Appraisal Instrument se utilizó para evaluar la calidad metodológica de los estudios. Los factores asociados fueron analizados con análisis de meta-regresión. Se incluyeron 23 estudios en la revisión, totalizando 3.786 corredores, con prevalencia de lesiones del 36,5% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95% 30,8-42,5%), y la distancia recorrida por semana superior a 20 Km fue una variable predictiva de lesiones. Se observó mayor prevalencia de lesiones en hombres que en mujeres (28,3%, IC del 95% 22,5-35,0%). La rodilla fue el local más afectado (32,9%, IC del 95% 26,7-39,6%) y las lesiones musculares fueron las más frecuentes (27,9%, IC del 95% 18,2-40,1%). Este es el primer meta-análisis nacional en investigar la prevalencia de lesiones en corredores aficionados. Aunque la prevalencia de lesiones ha sido moderada, se requiere precaución en cuanto a la duración semanal de la carrera. Los corredores del sexo masculino son más susceptibles, y las lesiones musculares y de la rodilla son las más comunes. Nivel de evidencia II, Revisión sistemáticab de Estudios de Nivel II.

Analysis of symmetry between lower limbs during gait of older women with bilateral knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in older adults, with high epidemiological, clinical, and economic burden worldwide. In clinical practice, patients with knee OA often walk with abnormal gait patterns because of pain, stiffness and/or mobility dysfunctions. Therefore, assessing the symmetry of the lower limbs might improve the rehabilitation treatment and prescription of walking devices. AIMS: To compare the symmetry of step length and single support phase between lower limbs during gait of older women with bilateral knee OA and asymptomatic controls, and to verify if there is difference between these two groups in relation to velocity, cadence, step length and single support phase. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 66 community-dwelling older women aged ≥ 65 years with a medical diagnosis of symptomatic bilateral knee OA (n = 33) and asymptomatic controls (n = 33), matched by age and body mass index. All gait parameters were obtained using the GAITRite® system. RESULTS: Mean age of the sample was 72.6 ± 4.0 years. Participants with OA walked with lower velocity (p = 0.001), cadence (p = 0.009) and step length bilaterally (both p = 0.001). No significant difference was found between groups in the symmetry of step length between lower limbs, single support phase and symmetry of single support phase between lower limbs. CONCLUSION: Older women with bilateral knee OA walk with lower velocity, cadence and step length, but have the same symmetry in the step length and single support phase between lower limbs as asymptomatic older women.

Energy Expenditure in Older Adults Who Are Frail: A Doubly Labeled Water Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Frailty is a common and important geriatric syndrome, distinct from any single chronic disease, and an independent predictor of mortality. It is characterized by age-associated decline in physiological reserve and function across multiple systems, culminating in a vicious cycle of altered energy expenditure. The total energy expenditure (TEE) of an individual includes the resting metabolic rate (RMR), the thermic effect of feeding, and the energy expenditure in physical activity (PAEE). The investigation of the energy expenditure of older adults who are frail is essential for better understanding the syndrome. Therefore, we compared the RMR, the PAEE, the physical activity level (PAL), and the TEE of older adults who were frail with those who were not frail. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 26 community-dwelling older adults (66-86 years of age). Older adults in the frail and nonfrail groups were matched for age and gender, and the matched pairs were randomly selected to continue the study. The RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry. The TEE was obtained by the multipoint, doubly labeled water method. After collecting a baseline urine sample, each participant received an oral dose of doubly labeled water composed of deuterium oxide and oxygen-18 (H2O). Subsequently, urine samples were collected on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 12th, 13th, and 14th days after the baseline collection and analyzed by mass spectrometry. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The older adults who were frail presented significantly lower PAEE (1453.7 [1561.9] vs 3336.1 [1829.3] kj/d, P < .01), PAL (1.4 [0.3] vs 1.9 [0.6], P = .04), and TEE (7919.0 [2151.9] vs 10442.4 [2148.0] kj/d, P < .01) than the older adults who were nonfrail. There was no difference in their RMRs (5673.3 [1569.2] vs 6062.0 [1891.7] kj/d, P = .57). Frailty has been associated with a smaller lean body mass and with a disease-related hypermetabolic state, which might explain the lack of difference in the RMR. The PAL of the older adults who were frail was below the recommended level for older adults and determined a lower PAEE and TEE when compared with older adults who were not frail. CONCLUSION: This study showed that low energy expenditure in physical activity is a main component of frailty. The PAL of the older adults who were frail was far below the recommended level for older adults.

Prevalence of falls and associated factors in community-dwelling older Brazilians: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Prevalência de quedas e fatores associados em uma amostra comunitária de idosos brasileiros: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise / Prevalencia de caídas y factores asociados en ancianos brasileños residentes en una comunidad: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Falls determine huge epidemiological, clinical, and economic burden in the older population worldwide, presenting high odds of severe disability. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of falls and associated factors in older Brazilians using a systematic review with meta-analysis. Searches were performed in SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO databases with no date or language restrictions. Studies on community-dwelling older persons aged ≥ 60 years from both sexes and with a sample size of ≥ 300 participants included. Exclusion criteria were studies conducted specifically for older adults diagnosed with chronic disabling diseases that predispose them to falls. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal tool focusing on prevalence designs. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the prevalence of falls across studies. Exploratory analysis was conducted examining subgroup estimates, prevalence ratios and meta-regression. Thirty-seven studies involving 58,597 participants were included. Twelve-month prevalence of falls was 27% (95%CI: 24.3-30.0), with significantly higher estimates in female than male (PR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.32-1.86), in age group ≥ 80 years than age group 60-69 years (PR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.15-1.84), and in participants from the Central region than participants from the South region (PR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.10-1.69) of Brazil. Risk of bias scores did not impact heterogeneity in the 12-month meta-analysis. These estimates strongly support evidence-based public interventions to prevent falls in older Brazilians, especially in women and the oldest-old population.

As quedas em idosos resultam em uma enorme carga epidemiológica, clínica e econômica nesta faixa etária no mundo inteiro, com alto risco de incapacitação grave. O estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de quedas e fatores associados entre idosos brasileiros, através de uma revisão sistemática com meta-análise. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus e PsycINFO, sem restrição de idioma ou ano de publicação. Foram incluídos estudos sobre idosos de ambos os sexos com 60 anos ou mais, residindo na comunidade, com amostras de ≥ 300 participantes em cada estudo. Os critérios de exclusão foram estudos realizados especificamente em idosos diagnosticados com doenças crônicas incapacitantes que predispõem a quedas. O risco de viés dos estudos incluídos foi avaliado com uma ferramenta de avaliação crítica focada em desenhos de prevalência. Foi utilizada uma meta-análise de efeitos aleatórios para combinar as prevalências de quedas entre estudos. A análise exploratória foi realizada pela investigação das estimativas de subgrupos, razões de prevalência e meta-regressão. Foram incluídos 37 estudos, com um total de 58.597 participantes. A prevalência de quedas nos últimos 12 meses foi de 27% (IC95%: 24,3-30,0), com estimativas significativamente mais altas em mulheres (RP = 1,57; IC95%: 1,32-1,86), na faixa etária ≥ 80 anos comparado com 60-69 anos (RP = 1,46; IC95%: 1,15-1,84) e em idosos da Região Centro-oeste, comparado com os da Região Sul (RP = 1,36; IC95%: 1,10-1,69). O tamanho do risco de viés não impactou a heterogeneidade na meta-análise de 12 meses. Essas estimativas apoiam fortemente as intervenções públicas baseadas em evidências para prevenir quedas em idosos, especialmente nas mulheres e nos idosos mais velhos.

En todo el mundo, las caídas representan una carga grande epidemiológica, clínica, y económicamente en la población mayor, presentando altas tasas de discapacidad severa. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de las caídas y los factores asociados en ancianos brasileños, usando una revisión sistemática con metaanálisis. Las búsquedas se realizaron en bases de datos como: SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus y PsycINFO sin restricciones de fecha o lengua. Se incluyeron estudios sobre ancianos residentes en comunidades con una edad ≥ 60 años de ambos sexos y con un tamaño de la muestra de ≥ 300 participantes. Los criterios de exclusión fueron estudios dirigidos específicamente a adultos mayores, diagnosticados con enfermedades crónicas incapacitantes que les predisponen a caídas. El riesgo de sesgo en los estudios incluidos fue evaluado usando una herramienta de evaluación crítica, centrándose en los diseños de prevalencia. Se utilizó un metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios para agrupar la prevalencia de caídas a través de estos estudios. Se realizó un análisis exploratorio, examinando estimaciones de subgrupos, tasas de prevalencia y meta-regresión. Se incluyeron treinta y siete estudios, implicando a 58.597 participantes. En doce meses la prevalencia de caídas fue 27% (IC95%: 24,3-30,0), con estimaciones significativamente más altas en mujeres que en hombres (PR = 1,57; IC95%: 1,32-1,86), en el grupo de edad ≥ 80 años, en comparación con el grupo de edad de 60-69 años (PR = 1,46; IC95%: 1,15-1,84), y en participantes procedentes de la región centro-oeste, respecto a los participantes de la región sur (PR = 1,36; IC95%: 1,10-1,69) de Brasil. El riesgo de sesgo en los resultados no impactó la heterogeneidad en el metaanálisis de 12 meses. Estas estimaciones apoyan fuertemente las intervenciones públicas basadas en evidencias para prevenir caídas en ancianos brasileños, especialmente en mujeres y en la población más anciana.

Handgrip strength is associated with, but poorly predicts, disability in older women with acute low back pain: A 12-month follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Older women with low back pain (LBP) constitute a special subpopulation at risk of severe and permanent disability. It is important to identify factors limiting functionality in this population in order to reduce costs and improve both prevention and intervention. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a biomarker of aging associated with several adverse health outcomes, but long-term associations with disability in older patients with LBP are not known. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether HGS predicts disability in older women with acute low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Longitudinal analyses were conducted with a sample of 135 older women from the international multicenter study Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE-Brazil). Women aged 60 years and over with a new episode of acute LBP were included. HGS was assessed with Jamar® dynamometer, and disability was assessed using the Roland Morris questionnaire and gait speed test. Variables were assessed at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. Linear regression models explored associations between HGS and disability measures. RESULTS: Significant association was found between HGS at baseline and gait speed at 12-month follow-up (r=-0.24; p=0.004). A multivariable-adjusted model showed that this association was independent of age, body mass index, and pain intensity (adjusted R2=0.13; p<0.001). A final prediction model showed an incremental difference of only 2.1% in gait speed after inclusion of HGS as an independent variable. No association was found between HGS and score on the Roland Morris questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Caution is needed regarding the use of HGS as a predictive measure of disability in older women with acute LBP. Changes in gait speed were very small and unlikely to be of clinical relevance.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasma levels are increased in older women after an acute episode of low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a growing public health problem in old age, and it is associated with disabling pain and depressive disorders. We compared brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma levels, a key neurotrophin in pain modulation, between older women after an acute episode of LBP and age-matched pain-free controls, and investigated potential differences in BDNF levels between controls and LBP subgroups based on pain severity, presence of depressive symptoms and use of analgesic and antidepressant drugs. METHODS: A total of 221 participants (154 with LBP and 67 pain-free) were studied. A comprehensive assessment of sociodemographic and clinical variables was conducted including pain severity (11-point NRS), depressive symptoms (GDS-15), age, body mass index, physical activity and total number of comorbidities and medications in use. RESULTS: BDNF levels in LBP group were significantly higher than controls (7515.9±3021.2; Md=7116.0 vs 6331.8±3364.0; Md=5897.5pg/mL, P=0.005). LBP subgroups exhibited higher BDNF levels than controls, regardless of pain severity, presence of depressive symptoms and use of analgesic drugs. BDNF levels were significantly higher in LBP subgroup without use of antidepressant drugs compared to both controls and LBP subgroup with use of antidepressant drugs. DISCUSSION: This study provides evidence that older women with acute low back pain exhibit higher BDNF plasma levels compared to pain-free controls. Subgroup comparisons suggest that use of pain-relief drugs may influence BDNF levels. The study results offer a novel target for research on mechanisms of back pain in older adults.

Anterior Trunk Mobility Does Not Predict Disability in Elderly Women With Acute Low Back Pain: Brazilian Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE-Brazil) Study Results.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, ancillary study of an international multicenter epidemiological study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of the anterior trunk mobility with self-report and physical performance measures in elderly women with acute low back pain (LBP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LBP is one of the most prevalent pain complaints in the elderly population. It is postulated that the increased range of motion of limited joints of the trunk may improve LBP and functionality of patients. Recent studies have, however, questioned the association between trunk range of motion and the functional status. METHODS: The present study included a convenience sample of elderly women from the community aged 60 years and older who presented with a new (acute) episode of LBP. Volunteers with severe diseases and visual, hearing and mobility losses, or cognitive impairment were excluded. Trunk mobility was assessed by the fingertip-to-floor test. Functionality was assessed by the Roland-Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) and gait speed test. Statistical analysis was performed by using hierarchical linear regression model. RESULTS: Data from 459 elderly women, mean age of 69.0 (6.1) years old, were used to describe this report. The additional predictive value for the inclusion of independent variable trunk mobility was only 4.4% in the RMQ score and 1.5% in the gait speed test, respectively. A reduced hierarchical linear regression model showed that the significant predictors for RMQ and gait speed test were body mass index, pain intensity, and trunk mobility. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to investigate the relationship between trunk mobility and functionality in elderly women with acute LBP. The results suggest that these clinical parameters are independent from each other. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Factors associated with fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults with and without diabetes mellitus: Findings from the Frailty in Brazilian Older People Study (FIBRA-BR).

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the associated factors with fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults with and without diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Data from the Frailty in Brazilian Older People Study (FIBRA-BR), involving 4449 individuals aged 65years or older (19.2% with diabetes), were analyzed. The potential factors associated with fear of falling included sociodemographic data, chronic diseases, health-related variables and functional capacity measures. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with fear of falling. RESULTS: Female gender, arthritis or rheumatism, negative health self-perception, frailty, lower Lawton Scale score and reduced gait speed were independently associated with fear of falling in both groups. Factors associated with fear of falling specific to non-diabetic older adults were depression, visual impairment, falls in the previous 12months, obesity, depressive symptoms, higher Katz Index score and decreased handgrip strength. Lower Mini-Mental State Examination score was an associated factor with fear of falling only in those with diabetes. CONCLUSION: The factors associated with fear of falling did differ between non-diabetic and diabetic older adults. Health care professionals should consider such differences when planning their therapeutic approaches for a successful management of fear of falling in these older populations.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in older Brazilians: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and function that evolves into disability, loss of independence and death. In Brazil the number of older people is rapidly growing, resulting in an increased prevalence of chronic conditions associated with old age. As prevalence estimates provide essential information to policymakers when developing healthcare strategies, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in older Brazilians. METHODS: Electronic database searches and hand-searching in relevant journals and reference lists were carried out without language restriction. Studies that reported the prevalence of sarcopenia in Brazilians aged 60 years or older were considered for inclusion. Sarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass, low muscle function or low muscle mass and function. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 31 studies were included pooling 9416 participants. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia in older Brazilians was 17.0% (95% CI 13.0-22.0). Sensitivity analysis showed rates of 20.0% (95% CI 11.0-32.0) in women and 12.0% (95% CI 9.0-16.0) in men. Prevalence was 16.0% (95% CI 12.0-23.0) based on low muscle mass and function; and 17.0% (95% CI 9.0-31.0) based only on low muscle mass. The difference between these two criteria was not significant (P = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is an emerging public health issue in Brazil. Attention should be paid to changes in prevalence rates over the next years because of the increase in the older population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 5-16.

Prevalence of low back pain in older Brazilians: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of low back pain (LBP) is expected to increase worldwide with aging of the population but its prevalence in older people is not clear, mainly in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of LBP in older Brazilians. METHODS: Electronic searches on SciELO, LILACS, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL, as well as hand-searching identified studies investigating prevalence of LBP in older Brazilians aged 60 years or over. Two independent reviewers selected studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria, assessed risk of bias for each included study and extracted relevant data. Meta-analysis was conducted when enough homogeneity allowed and the GRADE system was used to summarize the overall quality of the evidence. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included with a total of 28,448 participants. Data from point- and period-prevalence of LBP were obtained. Meta-analysis was conducted for 13 studies reporting point-prevalence. Pooled point-prevalence of LBP was 25.0% (95% CI 18.0-32.0). Other three studies investigated period-prevalence: one-week prevalence=15.0% (95% CI 13.0-18.0); six-month prevalence=43.0% (95% CI 42.0-44.0); and 12-month prevalence=13.0% (95% CI 11.0-16.0). Sensitivity analyses were performed for point-prevalence and exclusion of studies with poorer methodological quality tended to increase the estimated prevalence of LBP. CONCLUSION: Moderate-quality evidence showed that at any point in time one in four older Brazilians suffers from LBP. This was the first systematic review investigating nationwide data on the prevalence of LBP in older people and contributes important clinical and epidemiological evidence for policymakers.