Dynapenic abdominal obesity and the incidence of falls in older women: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Dynapenic abdominal obesity (D/AO) has been associated with negative outcomes in older people, including trait of falls. AIMS: To assess the association between D/AO and the incidence of falls over 18 months in older community-dwelling women. METHODS: A total of 201 older women (67.97 ± 6.02 years; 27.70 kg/m2) underwent waist circumference measurement, and had handgrip strength assessed using a hydraulic dynamometer. Dynapenia was classified using the lower tertile of handgrip strength, while abdominal obesity was considered as a waist circumference > 88 cm. D/AO was the combination of both aforementioned criteria. Volunteers were classified into four groups: normal, abdominal obesity, dynapenic, and D/AO. Participants were then tracked by phone calls for ascertainment of falls during a follow-up period of 18 months. Chi-square and multivariable Cox proportional regressions were conducted. RESULTS: The overall incidence of falls over the follow-up was 27.5%; and for normal, dynapenic, abdominal obesity, and D/AO were 14.7%, 17.2%, 27.5%, and 40.4% (X2 = 8.341; P = 0.039), respectively. D/AO was associated with a higher risk of falls (hazard ratio: 3.595 [95% CI: 1.317-9.815], even after adjustments for age, body mass index, physical activity level, regular use of medications, peripheral sensation, chronic diseases, and history of lower-limbs pain. CONCLUSIONS: D/AO is more closely related to falls than either dynapenia or abdominal obesity alone, and is independently associated with an increased incidence of falls in older women. These results provide support for the concept that the combined evaluation of muscle strength and central obesity may be clinically relevant in this population.

Habitual dietary intake and mediators of the inflammaging process in Brazilian older women.

AIM: This study aimed to assess whether the habitual intake of macronutrients by older women associates with circulating levels of important inflammaging mediators by means of a cross-sectional design with 229 Brazilian elderly women. METHODS: Laboratory tests determined serum IL1α, IL1ß, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12 and TNFα by specific immunoassays. Food records of three alternate days were decomposed into usual intake of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (and fractions), as well as total energy value (TEV) per patient. Moreover, the study has identified and controlled results for metabolic conditions known to influence the inflammatory profile: hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Pearson's correlation test revealed that log10IL8 expressed a positive association with levels of saturated fatty acid (FA) (r = 0.173; p = 0.009) and total cholesterol intake (r = 0.223; p = 0.001). Similar analysis of the other mediators revealed no association with dietary intake. CONCLUSION: Higher intakes of total cholesterol and saturated FA seem to correlate with increased serum IL8 levels, being a possible mechanism by which this pro-atherogenic intake pattern may increase the risk of age-related chronic diseases with important inflammatory contribution.

Serum Immune Mediators Independently Associate with Atherosclerosis in the Left (But Not Right) Carotid Territory of Older Individuals.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Disturbance in the carotid arteries strongly predicts cerebrovascular events and correlates with a systemic inflammatory milieu. We investigated the relationship of a profile of 10 circulating inflammatory mediators with measures of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in elderly subjects, taking traditional risk factors into account. METHODS: Clinical inspection for present and past chronic conditions and events, as well as biochemical and anthropometric measurements, was performed for patients in ambulatory setting. Scores of cIMT were obtained bilaterally in the distal common carotid artery wall. Serum concentrations of cytokines were assessed by bead-based, multiplexed flow cytometry immunoassays. RESULTS: Correlation analysis between log-transformed cytokines levels implicated the mediators interleukin-1ß (IL1ß), IL6, IL8, IL10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) (P ≤ .005) with scores of the left cIMT. Stepwise multivariate regression showed that TNFα, IL1ß, and IL6 levels accounted for most of the variance in the cIMT scores. Comparison of cytokine levels across increasing tertiles of the left cIMT reproduced the positive association with TNFα and IL1ß levels. CONCLUSION: Five out of ten immune mediators independently correlated with cIMT of older subjects in a territory-sensitive manner. This possible contribution of immune mediators to an atherosclerotic process probably relates to the inflammaging process.

Epidemiological profile of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units: A Prospective Brazilian Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent syndrome affecting patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU), and it is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The aim of the present study was to understand the epidemiological profile of patients with AKI admitted to ICUs. METHODS: Prospective cohort study, carried out in three ICUs in the Federal District, Brazil. Between October/2017 and December/2018, 8,131 patients were included in the cohort. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. The main outcomes assessed were AKI development and mortality within 28 days of hospitalization. RESULTS: Of the 8,131 patients followed up, 1,728 developed AKI (21.3%). Of the 1,728 patients with AKI, 1,060 (61.3%) developed stage 1, while stages 2 and 3 represented 154 (8.9%) and 514 (29.7%), respectively. Of these, 459 (26.6%) underwent renal replacement therapy. The mortality was 25.7% for those with AKI, and 4.9% for those without AKI. DISCUSSION: Patients with AKI had higher mortality rates when compared to those without AKI. Likewise, among patients with AKI, higher disease stages were associated with higher death occurrences. AKI incidence (21.3%) and mortality (25.7%) in our study is in line with the largest meta-analysis ever conducted, in which incidence and mortality of 21.6 and 23.9% were observed, respectively. These findings confirm the importance of establishing the KDIGO guideline for the definition and management of AKI in Brazilian ICUs.

Walking performance is associated with coronary artery calcification in very old adults.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores have good predictive value for atherosclerosis-related outcomes in the geriatric population. The low availability of cardiac computed tomography is an obstacle to assess CAC in clinical practice. Thus, clinical signs with a good degree of association with CAC can help to estimate cardiovascular risk, particularly in low-income populations. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether clinical, biochemical and functional measures explain the CAC scores in older individuals. METHODS: We characterized 89 non-institutionalized older volunteers (≥ 80 years old) by means of a comprehensive biochemical and anthropometric evaluation along with assessments of CAC scores determined by computerized tomography, and tested their association with walking speed test (WS) and handgrip strength (HS) performance. RESULTS: Analyses of variance showed that body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) differed significantly (p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.03; respectively) across quartiles, so that subsequent tests were adjusted for anthropometry. ANCOVA revealed that the two lower quartiles of CAC had better performance in WS compared to the third and fourth quartiles (p ≤ 0.04). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that WS scores exhibit enough power (R2 = 0.379, p = 0.05) to explain CAC scores. There were no significant differences for HS between quartiles (p = 0.87). CONCLUSION: WS is associated and explain CAC scores, and may be useful to stratify atherosclerotic burden in apparently healthy very old individuals regardless of body composition.

Exercise interventions improve depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review examined the effects of exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients. METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted between August 2019 and February 2020 at PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, LILACS, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Cochrane Library databases. Original clinical trial studies that examined the effects of exercise on depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients, stages 3-5, were included. A total of eight studies were included in the systematic review after applying the eligibility criteria, and six studies used for the meta-analysis procedures. RESULTS: The meta-analysis demonstrated statistical difference on depression in favour to exercise when compared to active control (SMD = - 0.66 [- 1.00, - 0.33], p < 0.0001) and passive control (MD = - 6.95 [- 8.76, - 5.14], p < 0.00001). Same results on anxiety demonstrated statistical difference between exercise and active control (SMD = - 0.78 [- 1.21, - 0.34], p = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: From the current limited number and quality of published studies, exercise seems to be more effective than sedentary control and other active control groups for improving depression and anxiety symptoms in chronic kidney disease patients.

The Association Between Body Adiposity Measures, Postural Balance, Fear of Falling, and Fall Risk in Older Community-Dwelling Women.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent investigations demonstrate an association between obesity and the propensity of older adults to fall. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body adiposity measures, postural balance, fear of falling, and risk of falls in older women. METHODS: One hundred forty-seven volunteers took part in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent body composition assessment using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and had body mass index, waist circumference (WC), and body adiposity index measured. Postural balance was assessed using a force platform, while fear of falling and risk of falls were, respectively, evaluated by the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and the QuickScreen Clinical Falls Risk Assessment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: All adiposity measures were correlated to at least 1 postural stability parameter and to fear of falling (ρ= 0.163, P < .05 to r = 0.337, P < .001); however, WC was the index most strongly correlated to risk of falls (ρ= 0.325; P < .001). When obesity was classified using WC, it was observed that compared with nonobese individuals (n = 51), obese individuals (n = 96) exhibited greater center of pressure displacement in the anteroposterior and mediolateral axes, especially during conditions with feet apart (P < .05). The obese group also exhibited an increased fear of falling (28.04 vs 24.59; P = .002) and had a higher proportion of individuals with increased fall risk (72% vs 35%; P < .001). CONCLUSION: In summary, adiposity measures are associated with risk of falls in older women, which might be mediated by reduced postural balance and increased fear of falling. Among these indices, WC, an easy and low-cost assessment, demonstrated the strongest association with falls-related outcomes.

Stages of sarcopenia and the incidence of falls in older women: A prospective study.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the association between different stages of sarcopenia and the incidence of falls over 18 months in older community-dwelling women. 246 women (68.1 ±â€¯6.2 years) underwent body composition using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, knee extensors isokinetic peak torque, and Timed Up-and-Go assessments. The stages of sarcopenia were classified according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Volunteers were classified into four groups as follows: nonsarcopenia, presarcopenia, sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia. Participants were tracked by phone calls for ascertainment of falls during a follow-up period of 18 months. Cox proportional regressions were conducted. A total of 195 women were followed over the 18-month period. Proportions of each sarcopenia stage were 6.7%, 13.8%, and 12.8% for presarcopenia, sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia, respectively. The proportion of fallers progressively increased according to the severity of sarcopenia, with 15.4%, 40.7%, and 72% for presarcopenia, sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia, respectively (X2 = 30.637; p < 0.001). Severe sarcopenia was consistently associated with a higher risk of falls (hazard ratio: 3.843; 95% CI: 1.816-8.131), even after adjustments for age, body mass index, physical activity level, regular use of four or more medications, reduced peripheral sensation, presence of two or more chronic diseases, and history of lower-limbs pain. It is concluded that severe sarcopenia is independently associated with higher incidence of falls in older women. These results provide support for the concept that sarcopenia staging has clinical implications and might be an useful supplement to other routine falls risk assessment tools.

Effects of a 12-Week Exercise Training Program on Physical Function in Institutionalized Frail Elderly.

With the increase in life expectancy, the Brazilian elderly population has risen considerably. However, longevity is usually accompanied by problems such as the loss of functional capacity, cognitive decline, frailty syndrome, and deterioration in anthropometric parameters, particularly among those living in long-term care facilities. This randomized controlled trial aimed to verify the effects of exercise training on biochemical, inflammatory, and anthropometric indices and functional performance in institutionalized frail elderly. The sample consisted of 37 elderly people of both genders, aged 76.1 ± 7.7 years, who were randomly allocated into 2 groups: 13 individuals in the exercise group (EG) and 24 in the control group (CG). Anthropometrics, clinical history, functional tests, and biochemical evaluation were measured before and after the completion of a physical exercise program, which lasted for 12 weeks. The 12-week exercise program for frail elderly residents in a long-term care facility was efficient in improving muscle strength, speed, agility, and biochemical variables, with reversal of the frailty condition in a considerable number. However, no effects in anthropometric and inflammatory parameters were noted.

Metabolic syndrome and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in obese children: the relationship with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and to investigate their relationship with insulin resistance. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 52 obese children. The sample was chosen at random after the body mass index [weight (kg)/stature (m)(2)] of 1,550 schoolchildren had been calculated. Children were defined as obese when their BMI was above the 95th percentile of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classification. Blood samples were taken after fasting and glycemia, high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides and insulin were all assayed. Body fat was evaluated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Arterial blood pressure and insulin resistance were also measured. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program criteria, with cutoff points adjusted for the age of the sample. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was detected in 17.3% of the children investigated. Insulin resistance was significantly different for females (3.8-/+2.2; 95%CI 2.9-4.8) and males (2.6-/+1.3; 95%CI 2.1-3.1); p = 0.016. Around 44.2% of the sample exhibited at least two risk factors, and 15% exhibited arterial hypertension. Hypertriglyceridemia was observed in 50 and 70.8% of boys and girls, respectively. Lower than desirable high-density lipoprotein levels were only observed among the girls. CONCLUSIONS: Obese children exhibited a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The children with greater insulin resistance exhibited more risk factors. In the light of these findings intervention measures are necessary in order to prevent excessive weight gain during childhood.

Epidemiological profile of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units: A Prospective Brazilian Cohort / Perfil epidemiológico de injúria renal aguda em pacientes críticos admitidos em unidades de terapia intensiva: uma coorte brasileira prospectiva

Abstract Introduction Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent syndrome affecting patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU), and it is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The aim of the present study was to understand the epidemiological profile of patients with AKI admitted to ICUs. Methods Prospective cohort study, carried out in three ICUs in the Federal District, Brazil. Between October/2017 and December/2018, 8,131 patients were included in the cohort. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. The main outcomes assessed were AKI development and mortality within 28 days of hospitalization. Results Of the 8,131 patients followed up, 1,728 developed AKI (21.3%). Of the 1,728 patients with AKI, 1,060 (61.3%) developed stage 1, while stages 2 and 3 represented 154 (8.9%) and 514 (29.7%), respectively. Of these, 459 (26.6%) underwent renal replacement therapy. The mortality was 25.7% for those with AKI, and 4.9% for those without AKI. Discussion Patients with AKI had higher mortality rates when compared to those without AKI. Likewise, among patients with AKI, higher disease stages were associated with higher death occurrences. AKI incidence (21.3%) and mortality (25.7%) in our study is in line with the largest meta-analysis ever conducted, in which incidence and mortality of 21.6 and 23.9% were observed, respectively. These findings confirm the importance of establishing the KDIGO guideline for the definition and management of AKI in Brazilian ICUs.

Resumo Introdução A injúria renal aguda (IRA) é uma síndrome frequente em pacientes admitidos em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) e está associada a negativos desfechos clínicos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi conhecer o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com IRA admitidos em UTIs. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectiva, realizado em três UTIs do Distrito Federal, Brasil. Entre o período de outubro/2017 e dezembro/2018, 8.131 pacientes foram incluídos na coorte. A IRA foi definida de acordo com o critério KDIGO. Os principais desfechos avaliados foram o desenvolvimento de IRA e mortalidade dentro de 28 dias de internação. Resultados Dos 8.131 pacientes acompanhados, 1.728 desenvolveram IRA (21,3%). Dos 1.728 pacientes com IRA, 1.060 (61,3%) desenvolveram o estágio 1, já os estágios 2 e 3 representaram 154 (8,9%) e 514 (29,7%), respectivamente. Destes, um total de 459 (26,6%) realizou terapia renal substitutiva. A mortalidade observada foi de 25,7% para aqueles com IRA e 4,9% para os não IRA. Discussão Os pacientes com IRA, comparados aos não IRA, apresentaram maior mortalidade. Da mesma forma, entre os pacientes com IRA, os estágios superiores estiveram associados à maior ocorrência de óbito. A incidência de IRA (21,3%) e mortalidade (25,7%) em nosso estudo está em consonância com a maior meta-análise já conduzida, na qual foram observadas incidência e mortalidade de 21,6 e 23,9%, respectivamente. Esses achados confirmam a importância de se estabelecer a diretriz KDIGO para definição e manejo da IRA em UTIs brasileiras.

Adaptation to Resistance Training Is Associated with Higher Phagocytic (but Not Oxidative) Activity in Neutrophils of Older Women.

Failure in antimicrobial activity contributes to high morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population. Little is known about the potential effect of resistance training (RT) on the functional properties of the innate immunity. This study aimed to investigate the influence of long-term RT on the endocytic and oxidative activities of neutrophils and monocytes in healthy older women. Our results indicate that the phagocytosis index (PhI) of neutrophils (but not of monocytes) in the RT-adapted group was significantly higher (P < 0.001; effect size, (d) = 0.90, 95% CI: [0.75-1.04]) compared to that in sedentary subjects. In contrast, the oxidative activity of either neutrophils or monocytes was not significantly influenced by RT. Also, total energy and carbohydrate intake as well as serum IL6 levels had a significant influence on the phagocytic activity of neutrophils (P = 0.04), being considered in the model. Multivariate regression identified the physical condition of the subject (ß = 0.425; P = 0.01) as a significant predictor of PhI. In conclusion, circulating neutrophils of older women adapted to a long-term RT program expressed higher phagocytic activity.

Critical velocity estimates running velocity in a 10-km running race in recreational runners / A velocidade crítica estima a velocidade de corrida em uma prova de 10-km em corredores recreacionais

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the estimated running velocity in a critical velocity (CV) test with the real running velocity in a 10-km race. This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 34 runners, 20 males and 14 females (42,4 ± 11,0). The participants attended two days of testing and one day to participate in an official 10-km race. During the visits, the following tests were performed: i) 400-meter running track test and ii) 2000 meter running track test. They were randomly selected and held in official athletics track with at least 48 hours rest between them. The athletes were instructed to participate in the study properly recovered, fed and hydrated. The CV was calculated as the linear relation between distance and race time, corresponding to the slope of the linear regression line. Both tests occurred in similar climatic situations. We found good agreement between the velocities estimated through the CV test and the real running velocity of a 10-km race. Although there was a difference in velocities estimated by the CV test and the real 10-km race, the variation delta was low. Thus, these data indicate that the CV test seems to be a good tool for estimating the velocity of a 10-km race. The CV determined in the field with two fixed distances 400 and 2000 meter was valid to estimate the running velocity of a 10-km race.

Resumo Objetivou-se comparar a velocidade de corrida estimada em um teste de velocidade crítica com a velocidade real de corrida em uma corrida de 10 km. Estudo transversal com amostra de conveniência de 34 corredores, sendo 20 do sexo masculino e 14 do feminino (42,4 ± 11,0). Os participantes participaram de dois dias de testes e um dia para participar de uma corrida oficial de 10 km. Durante as visitas, foram realizados os seguintes testes: i) pista de atletismo de 400 metros e ii) pista de corrida de 2000 metros. Eles foram selecionados aleatoriamente e mantidos em pista de atletismo oficial com pelo menos 48 horas de descanso entre eles. Os atletas foram instruídos a participar do estudo devidamente recuperados, alimentados e hidratados. A velocidade crítica (CV) foi calculada como a relação linear entre distância e tempo de corrida, correspondendo à inclinação da linha de regressão linear. Ambos os testes ocorreram em situações climáticas semelhantes. Boa concordância entre as velocidades estimadas através do teste CV e o tempo real de teste de 10 km. Embora tenha havido uma diferença nas velocidades estimadas pelo teste CV e o tempo real de teste de 10 km, o delta de variação foi baixo. Assim, esses dados indicam que o teste CV parece ser uma boa ferramenta para estimar a velocidade de uma corrida de 10 km. O CV determinado no campo com duas distâncias fixas de 400 e 2000 metros foi válido para estimar a velocidade de corrida de 10 km.

[Cognitive profile of elderly residents in Long-stay Institutions of Brasilia-DF]. / Perfil cognitivo de idosos residentes em Instituições de Longa Permanência de Brasília-DF.

Aging exposes the individuals to a number of limitations, such as the physical, nutritional and cognitive, which can cause them to hospitalization in long-stay institutions. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate to evaluate the cognitive profile of elderly institutionalized through three instruments. Sixty institutionalized elderly people in long-stay institutions underwent assessment through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Trail Making Test and the Clinical Dementia Rating. It was found that the percentage of seniors with cognitive impairment by the MMSE was 30% of the sample, being more prevalent in women (36.2% of cognitive loss) compared to men (7.7% of cognitive loss). There was no consistency between the results obtained by the MMSE with the other instruments tested.

Frailty syndrome in older adults from the community and long-term care institutions: an exploratory analysis / Síndrome da fragilidade em idosos da comunidade e de instituições de longa permanência: uma análise exploratória

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between Frailty syndrome, lipid profile, anthropometric variables, and the functional capacity of older adults; and to analyze an explanatory model of variables with higher predictive capacity for Frailty syndrome. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 36 and 86 older adults residing in long-term care facilities and in their households, respectively. Anamnesis was followed by evaluation of anthropometric data, risk of falls, functional tests, and biochemical tests. Frailty syndrome was determined according to the criteria suggested by Fried et al. RESULTS: Geriatric patients classified as frail were older; had higher medication consumption; and presented lower performance in handgrip strength, sit-to-stand, and gait speed tests as compared to pre- and non-frail older adults. CONCLUSION: Gait speed and sit-to-stand tests were significant predictors of Frailty syndrome. Specifically, a good performance in these tests represents a protection factor against Frailty syndrome. Furthermore, gait speed performance was explained by age, handgrip strength performance, and frailty status, while sit-to-stand performance was explained by risk of falls and muscular strength.

OBJETIVOS: Investigar a associação entre síndrome da fragilidade, perfil lipídico, variáveis antropométricas e capacidade funcional de idosos; e analisar um modelo explicativo de variáveis com maior capacidade preditiva para síndrome da fragilidade. MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal incluiu 36 e 86 idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência e em suas residências, respectivamente. A anamnese foi seguida pela avaliação dos dados antropométricos, risco de quedas, testes funcionais e testes bioquímicos. A síndrome da fragilidade foi determinada de acordo com os critérios sugeridos por Fried et al. RESULTADOS: Os idosos classificados como frágeis eram mais idosos; tiveram maior consumo de medicação; e apresentaram menor desempenho nos testes de força de preensão palmar, levantar e sentar e velocidade da marcha quando comparados aos idosos pré e não frágeis. CONCLUSÕES: Os testes velocidade da marcha e levantar e sentar foram preditores significativos de síndrome da fragilidade. Especificamente, um bom desempenho nesses testes representa um fator de proteção contra a síndrome da fragilidade. Além disso, o desempenho da velocidade da marcha foi explicado pela idade, desempenho da força de preensão palmar e estado de fragilidade, enquanto o desempenho do levantar e sentar foi explicado pelo risco de quedas e força muscular.

The relationship of sports practice with motor performance, selective attention, cognitive flexibility and processing speed in children aged 7 to 10 years / A relação da prática esportiva com o desempenho motor, atenção seletiva, flexibilidade cognitiva e velocidade de processamento em crianças de 7 a 10 anos

INTRODUCTION: Sports initiation is usually started during childhood and adolescence, and the beneficial effects of this practice for physical and motor capacities are already known. Recent research has shown the potential of sports to stimulate and modify cognitive development. OBJECTIVE: To verify the relationship of sports practice during childhood on cardiorespiratory, motor, attention, cognitive flexibility and cognitive processing speed. METHODS: 130 students aged 7 to 10 years participated in the study, of which 68 were athletes and 62 non-athletes, divided into sports group and control group. The researchers carried out three visits for the application of the research instruments, which were carried out in a randomized manner within the school premises, divided into three blocks: 1) attention test for cancellation and test of tracks A and B (applied collectively); 2) jumping tests; 3) anamnesis, body composition and the Körperkoordination für Kinder (KTK) test. RESULTS: Children practicing sports obtained lower values in the weight (28 ± 10.08 kg vs 33.9 ± 15.3 kg), waist circumference (57.8 ± 7.7 cm vs 61.7 ± 9.6 cm) and circumference of the hip (69.1 ± 9.5 cm vs 72.8 ± 10.5 cm). In addition, we observed higher values in single-hops scores (96.9 ± 17.3 vs 85.6 ± 14.3) and lateral jumps scores (99.1 ± 18.8 vs 91.2 ± 18.0) compared to children who do not play sports. (p < 0.05). The high performance in single-heel jumps, side jumps, motor quotient, B-trails and B-A trails presented as predictors of sports practice (CI > 0.50_. CONCLUSION: The results indicated a positive relationship between children practicing sports in childhood and interesting benefits in the ability of cognitive flexibility, without expressing differences in motor coordination compared to non-practicing children.

INTRODUÇÃO: A iniciação esportiva é geralmente iniciada durante a infância e adolescência. Já é conhecido os efeitos benéficos desta prática para as capacidades físicas e motoras. Pesquisas recentes vêm demonstrando o potencial da prática esportiva em estimular e modificar o desenvolvimento cognitivo OBJETIVO: Analisar a relação da prática esportiva durante a infância na coordenação motora, atenção, flexibilidade cognitiva e velocidade de processamento cognitivo MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 130 estudantes com idades entre 7 a 10 anos, sendo 68 praticantes de modalidades esportivas e 62 não praticantes de modalidades esportivas, divididos em grupo de esportistas (GE) e grupo controle (GC). Os pesquisadores realizaram três visitas para aplicação dos instrumentos de pesquisa, os quais foram realizados de forma aleatorizada dentro das dependências da escola, divididos em três blocos: 1) teste de atenção por cancelamento e teste de trilhas A e B (aplicados de forma coletiva); 2) testes de saltos; 3) anamnese, composição corporal e o teste Körperkoordination für Kinder (KTK) RESULTADOS: Crianças que praticam esporte obtiveram menores valores nas variáveis massa corporal (28 ± 10,08 kg vs 33,9 ± 15,3 kg), circunferência da cintura (57,8 ± 7,7 cm vs 61,7 ± 9,6 cm) e circunferência do quadril (69,1 ± 9,5 cm vs 72,8 ± 10,5 cm). Ademais, observam-se maiores valores nos dos saltos monopedais (96,9 ± 17,3 vs 85,6 ± 14,3) e saltos laterais (99,1 ± 18,8 vs 91,2 ± 18,0) em comparação às crianças que não praticam esporte (p < 0,05). O alto desempenho nos saltos monopedais, saltos laterais, quociente motor, trilhas B e Trilhas B-A apresentaram-se como preditores da prática esportiva (IC > 0,50) CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicaram relação positiva entre crianças praticantes de modalidades esportivas na infância e benefícios interessantes na capacidade da flexibilidade cognitiva, sem expressar diferenças na coordenação motora em comparação às crianças não praticantes

The effect of aerobic exercise intensity on attenuation of postprandial lipemia is dependent on apolipoprotein E genotype.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of aerobic exercise intensity on postprandial lipemia according to allelic variants of the apolipoprotein E gene. METHODS: Three groups of 10 healthy men each were formed based genotyping of the APOE gene, rested or performed 500 Kcal tests in a random sequence separated by a minimum 48 h interval, as follows: (a) no exercise (control), (b) intense intermittent exercise, (c) moderate continuous exercise. Each test series was completed 30-min before ingestion of a high-fat meal (1 g fat/kg). Venous blood was collected before and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after the high-fat meal. Postprandial lipemia was assessed using the area under the curve approach as well as the kinetic profile of mean lipid variables. Statistical significance was adopted at P ≤ 0.05 level. RESULTS: The main results show that, in the moderate continuous exercise, total postprandial cholesterolemia was higher in ɛ4 than in ɛ2 carriers, whereas under intense intermittent exercise, total and LDL cholesterolemia were higher in ɛ4 than in ɛ2 and ɛ3 carriers. There was no difference in the lipemic profile of the subjects across APOE genotypes at baseline. CONCLUSION: Moderate and intense exercise were effective in attenuating PPL in both ɛ2 and ɛ3 subjects, with ɛ2 subjects being more susceptible to the lipid lowering effect of moderate training than ɛ3 subjects. Carriers of the ɛ4 allele, however, showed no attenuation of postprandial lipemia.

Prediction of metabolic syndrome in children through anthropometric indicators.

BACKGROUND: Because of the need to measure anthropometric, biochemical and hemodynamic variables for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, we realize how difficult it is to analyze large populations, especially children, due to the poor accessibility and the invasive character. There is an urgent need to develop easy-to-use, accurate and low-cost diagnostic tools in order to predict metabolic syndrome at early ages. OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children and to test predictive anthropometric indicators. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted among 109 children aged 7 to 11 years. The age-adjusted National Cholesterol Education Program definition was used for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The following parameters were tested as possible predictors: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), conicity index (C index), and body fat percentage. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 13.3% and 36% for boys and girls, respectively. The main anthropometric indicators were: BMI = 0.81 (0.69 - 0.94), WC = 0.79 (0.64 - 0.94), body fat = 0.79 (0.66 - 0.92) and WHR = 0.37 (0.21 - 0.54). CONCLUSION: WC higher than 78 cm, body fat higher than 41%, and BMI higher than 24.5 kg/m² were considered predictors of metabolic syndrome. The C index and WHR were not considered predictors.

Risk of glycemic disorder in elderly women adjusted by anthropometric parameters and cytokine genotypes.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to examine the association of glucose intolerance and type-2 diabetes mellitus with the -174 G > C and -308 G > A allelic variations of IL-6 and TNF-α, respectively, through anthropometric measurements and age strata. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using data from 285 community dwelling elderly women who underwent physical, biochemical, and genetic examinations. RESULT: Genotype-unadjusted analysis revealed that the risk of glucose intolerance and diabetes in elderly women with elevated BMI was 1.71 and 2.82 times higher, respectively, whereas age and conicity index did not show predictive value. Prevalence ratios for glucose intolerance and diabetes across allelic variants of IL-6 and TNF-α did not associate IL-6 with unbalanced glucose levels, despite adjustment for BMI, age, and conicity index. Conversely, carriers of the TNF-α A allele were 2.06 and 5.58 times more likely to exhibit glucose intolerance and diabetes, respectively, compared to GG homozygotes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that bearing the A allele of the -308 G > A polymorphism of TNF-α predisposes to anthropometric measure-sensitive impaired glucose metabolism in older women.

The influence of intense intermittent versus moderate continuous exercise on postprandial lipemia.

INTRODUCTION: Postprandial lipemia is characterized by an increased concentration of circulating lipids after fat intake and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Exercise is known to reduce postprandial lipemia and its negative clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of intense intermittent versus moderate continuous exercise using the same energy expenditure in postprandial lipemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy men (aged 21.5 ± 3.5 years) performed a random sequence of either rest or 500 Kcal tests separated by a minimum 48 h interval as follows: (a) no exercise (control), (b) intense intermittent exercise, or (c) moderate continuous exercise. Each test series was completed 30 min before ingestion of a high-fat meal (1 g fat/kg). Venous blood was collected before and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after the high-fat meal. Postprandial lipemia was assessed using the area under the curve approach as well as a kinetic profile of mean lipid variables. Statistical significance was tested at the p<0.05 level. RESULTS: With both statistical approaches, intense intermittent and moderate continuous exercises were both effective in reducing postprandial triglycerides; however, only intense intermittent exercise reduced the levels of postprandial very low density lipoprotein. Intense intermittent and continuous exercise produced lower levels of insulinemia using the area under the curve analysis only. CONCLUSION: Intense intermittent or continuous exercise with an energy expenditure of 500 kcal completed 30 min before ingestion of high-fat meal reduced postprandial lipid levels to different levels in physically active men. Understanding these relevant differences will enable clinicians to provide the best exercise prescription for patients.