Sarcopenic obesity does not impair lower limb strength and physical performance in sufficiently active older adults: a cross-sectional study.

This study investigated the associations of sarcopenic obesity (SO) with muscle strength and physical performance in sufficiently active older adults. Data from 72 older sarcopenic obese adults classified as sufficiently active were analyzed. Participants were categorized into four groups based on sex and SO status. Muscle strength/physical performance tests were compared using independent sample t-tests. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were performed to examine the associations between SO and muscle strength and physical performance, adjusting for confounding variables. Only handgrip strength showed differences between SO groups, regardless of sex (p < 0.05). SO negatively explained the variability of handgrip strength (p < 0.05). An increase in handgrip strength values was associated with a decrease in the chances of older adults being classified as SO (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that even with SO, sufficiently active older adults did not present a significant reduction in muscle strength in the lower limbs and physical performance.

Multicompartment body composition analysis in older adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: During aging, changes occur in the proportions of muscle, fat, and bone. Body composition (BC) alterations have a great impact on health, quality of life, and functional capacity. Several equations to predict BC using anthropometric measurements have been developed from a bi-compartmental (2-C) approach that determines only fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). However, these models have several limitations, when considering constant density, progressive bone demineralization, and changes in the hydration of the FFM, as typical changes during senescence. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to propose and validate a new multi-compartmental anthropometric model to predict fat, bone, and musculature components in older adults of both sexes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 100 older adults of both sexes. To determine the dependent variables (fat mass [FM], bone mineral content [BMC], and appendicular lean soft tissue [ALST]) whole total and regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body scans were performed. Twenty-nine anthropometric measures and sex were appointed as independent variables. Models were developed through multivariate linear regression. Finally, the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) statistic was used to measure the effectiveness of the predicted value for each dependent variable. RESULTS: An equation was developed to simultaneously predict FM, BMC, and ALST from only four variables: weight, half-arm span (HAS), triceps skinfold (TriSK), and sex. This model showed high coefficients of determination and low estimation errors (FM: R2adj: 0.83 and SEE: 3.16; BMC: R2adj: 0.61 and SEE: 0.30; ALST: R2adj: 0.85 and SEE: 1.65). CONCLUSION: The equations provide a reliable, practical, and low-cost instrument to monitor changes in body components during the aging process. The internal cross-validation method PRESS presented sufficient reliability in the model as an inexpensive alternative for clinical field use.

Sedentary behavior as a predictor of functional disability in older adults / Comportamento sedentário como preditor de incapacidade funcional em adultos idosos

The aim of this study was to identify the amount of time spent in sedentary behavior that may be critically related to functional disability in older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random sample of 624 older adults (65.1% women) aged 60 to 96 years. Perceived limitations in instrumental activities of daily living were used as indication of functional disability. Time spent in sedentary behavior was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The prevalence of functional disability was 29.4%. The mean total time spent in sedentary behavior was 576.51 ± 5.14 min/day. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify cut-points for time spent in sedentary behavior that could discriminate functional disability in older adults. The results suggested that spending > 600.00 min/day and > 614.00 min/day in sedentary behavior, for men and women, respectively, was a discriminator for functional disability in the current study. These cut-points can be used to identify older adults who are most vulnerable to functional disability in future studies

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar pontos de corte para o tempo gasto em comportamento sedentário que podem potencialmente discriminar a presença de incapacidade funcional em idosos. Um estudo transversal foi realizado com uma amostra aleatória de 624 idosos (65,1% mulheres) com idade entre 60 e 96 anos. As limitações percebidas nas atividades instrumentais da vida diária foram utilizadas como indicação de incapacidade funcional. O tempo gasto no comportamento sedentário foi avaliado usando o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). A prevalência de incapacidade funcional foi de 29,4%. A média do tempo total despendido em comportamento sedentário foi de 576,51 ± 5,14 minutos/dia. As curvas de ca-racterística operativa do receptor (ROC) foram usadas para identificar pontos de corte para o tempo gasto em comportamento sedentário que discriminassem a incapacidade funcional em idosos. Os resultados sugeriram que despender > 600,00 min/dia e > 614,00 min/dia em comportamento sedentário, para homens e mulheres, respectivamente, foram discriminadores de incapacidade funcional no presente estudo. Esses pontos de corte podem ser usados para identificar os idosos que estão em maior vulnerabilidade à incapacidade funcional em estudos futuros

Walking, body mass index, and self-rated health in a representative sample of Spanish adults.

Obesity and physical inactivity (PI) are risk factors for chronic diseases and are associated with lifestyle and environmental factors. The study tested the association between PI, body mass index (BMI), and self-rated health in a representative sample of the Spanish adult population (N = 21,486). The sample included 41.5% men, with mean age 52.3 years (± 18.03), and age range 20-82 years. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was 34.2%/12.7% in women and 52.1%/12.7% in men (p < 0.001 for obesity in both sexes). 53% of women and 57.5% of men met recommended levels of physical activity by walking (≥ 150 minutes/week). According to logistic regression analysis, individuals that walked less had higher risk of overweight or obesity. Data from the population-based surveillance study support suggestions that regular walking by adults is associated with positive self-rated health and better BMI profile. Obesity and low/very low self-rated health have low prevalence rates to meet the recommendations.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Relationship of Physical Activity with Depression and Cognitive Deficit in Older Adults.

The aim of this study was to examine the association of physical activity with depression and cognition deficit, separately and combined, in Brazilian older adults. We analyzed data from 622 older adults. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale, while cognitive deficit was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess associations of depression and cognitive deficit with sociodemographic, health, and behavioral variables. Prevalence of physical inactivity (< 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity/ week), depression, and cognitive deficit were 35.7%, 37.4%, and 16.7%. Physical inactivity was associated with depression (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.14-2.94) and with depression and cognitive deficit combined (OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 2.01-8.91). Physically inactive participants were also more likely to present limitations in orientation and language functions. Physical inactivity was associated with depression and also with depression and cognitive deficit combined in older adults.

Walking, body mass index, and self-rated health in a representative sample of Spanish adults / Caminar, índice de masa corporal y percepción de la salud en una muestra representativa de la población adulta española / Caminhada, índice de massa corporal e percepção de saúde em amostra representativa da população adulta espanhola

Abstract Obesity and physical inactivity (PI) are risk factors for chronic diseases and are associated with lifestyle and environmental factors. The study tested the association between PI, body mass index (BMI), and self-rated health in a representative sample of the Spanish adult population (N = 21,486). The sample included 41.5% men, with mean age 52.3 years (± 18.03), and age range 20-82 years. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was 34.2%/12.7% in women and 52.1%/12.7% in men (p < 0.001 for obesity in both sexes). 53% of women and 57.5% of men met recommended levels of physical activity by walking (≥ 150 minutes/week). According to logistic regression analysis, individuals that walked less had higher risk of overweight or obesity. Data from the population-based surveillance study support suggestions that regular walking by adults is associated with positive self-rated health and better BMI profile. Obesity and low/very low self-rated health have low prevalence rates to meet the recommendations.

Resumen Obesidad e inactividad física son factores de riesgo para enfermedades crónicas, que están asociados a estilos de vida y factores ambientales. El objetivo fue establecer la asociación entre inactividad física, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y autopercepción de salud. La muestra representativa está formada por población adulta española compuesta por 21.486 participantes. Siendo un 41.5% hombres, media de edad 52,3 años (± 18,03) y variación de edad de 20-82 años. La prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad fue 34,2%/12,7% en las mujeres y 52,1%/12,7% en los hombres (p < 0,001 para la obesidad entre los sexos). Entre los evaluados 53% de las mujeres y un 57,5% de los hombres atienden los niveles recomendados de actividad física mediante caminatas (≥ 150 minutos/semana). El análisis de regresión logística mostró que los que caminan poco poseen mayor riesgo de sufrir sobrepeso o ser obesos. Los datos extraídos del estudio de vigilancia de base poblacional apoyan las premisas de que las caminatas regulares en adultos están asociadas a la percepción positiva de salud y un mejor perfil de IMC. Quienes sufren obesidad y baja/muy baja autopercepción de salud cuentan con menos prevalencia para atender las recomendaciones.

Resumo Obesidade e inatividade física são fatores de risco para doenças crônicas, estão associadas a estilos de vida e fatores ambientais. O objetivo foi estabelecer a associação entre inatividade física, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e autopercepção de saúde. A amostra representativa da população adulta espanhola foi composta por 21.486 participantes, sendo 41.5% homens, média de idade 52,3 anos (± 18,03) e variação etária de 20 a 82 anos. A prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade foi 34,2%/12,7% nas mulheres e 52,1%/12,7% nos homens (p < 0,001 para a obesidade entre os sexos). Dentre os avaliados, 53% das mulheres e 57,5% dos homens atendem aos níveis recomendados de atividade física por meio da caminhada (≥ 150 minutos/semana). A análise de regressão logística mostrou que os que caminham pouco possuem maior risco de estar acima do peso ou serem obesos. Os dados extraídos do estudo de vigilância de base populacional suportam sugestões que caminhadas regulares em adultos estão associadas à percepção positiva de saúde e melhor perfil de IMC. Obesidade e baixa/muito baixa autopercepção de saúde têm menos prevalentes para atender às recomendações.

Actitudes de estudiantes de primária en relación a las clases de educación física / Attitudes of elementary school students in relation to physical education classes

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las actitudes y reacciones emocionales de los estudiantes en el proceso de aprendizaje de la Educación Física. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 525 alumnos de 6º curso de Educación Primaria de 20 colegios públicos de Albacete, España. Fue aplicado el cuestionario sobre el dominio afectivo (Physical Education Orientation Questionnaire - PEOQ) con los resultados: a) no hubo diferencias significativas en la variable género; b) los alumnos aprecian la asignatura, aplican los conocimientos que en ella adquieren, conocen su valor y defienden su importancia, si bien dicha circunstancia queda lejos de alcanzar la máxima valoración. El estudio llega a la conclusion que la actitud de los estudiantes en relación a las clases de Educación Física fue positiva.

The aim of this study was to analyze the attitudes and emotional reactions experienced by students in the learning process of physical education. The sample consisted of 525 students in 6th year of primary education than 20 public schools in Albacete, Spain. The questionnaire was applied on the affective domain (PEOQ - Physical Education Orientation Questionnaire) with the folowing results: a) not ocurred significant differences in the sex variable b) students appreciate the course, apply knowledge, know their value and defend its importance, although that fact is far from achieving the best possible estimate. The study comes to the conclusion that the attitude of the students in relation to the Physical Education is positive.

The age marker as a predictive indicator for frailty syndrome in the elderly / Marcador etário como indicador preditivo para síndrome de fragilidade em pessoas idosas

The objective of the study was to analyze the age marker in males and females as a predictor of the absence of frailty syndrome in the elderly. This was a cross-sectional study with 624 individuals. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and compared to areas of age, gender and absence of frailty. Cut-off points for age (years) were established to predict the absence of frailty (95% CI). The largest areas under the ROC curve for age were found for females. It was observed that the age of 72 years (women) or 67 (men) were the best cut-off points for predicting the absence of frailty. The age marker can serve as an important indicator in selecting priority groups for certain interventions.

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o marcador etário, nos sexos feminino e masculino como preditor da ausência da síndrome de fragilidade em idosos, que se procedeu o estudo transversal com 624 indivíduos. Foram construídas curvas Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) e comparadas às áreas de idade, por sexo e a ausência da fragilidade. Identificaram-se pontos de corte de idade (anos) para predizer a ausência de fragilidade (IC 95%). Encontrou-se maior área sob a curva ROC para a idade no sexo feminino. Observou-se que a idade de 72 anos (mulheres) ou 67 anos (homens) foram os melhores pontos de corte para predizer a ausência de fragilidade. O marcador etário pode servir como importante indicador para seleção de grupos prioritários a determinadas intervenções.

Physical activity as an indicator of predictive functional disability in elderly.

To analyze the time spent on physical activity in female and male individuals as a predictor of the absence of functional disability in older adults, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 624 individuals. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves (ROC) were constructed and compared to areas of physical activity by gender and the absence of functional disability. We identified cutoffs of physical activity (minutes / week) to predict the absence of functional disability (CI 95%). It was found that there is a higher area under the ROC curve for the time spent on physical activities in females. It was observed that 280 minutes / week (women) or 410 minutes / week (men) were the best cutoff points for predicting the absence of functional disability. Time spent on physical activity practices can serve as an important indicator to sort priority groups for certain interventions.

Physical activity as an indicator of predictive functional disability in elderly / Atividade física como indicador preditivo para incapacidade funcional em pessoas idosas / Actividad física como indicador de incapacidad funcional predictivo en personas mayores

To analyze the time spent on physical activity in female and male individuals as a predictor of the absence of functional disability in older adults, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 624 individuals. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves (ROC) were constructed and compared to areas of physical activity by gender and the absence of functional disability. We identified cutoffs of physical activity (minutes / week) to predict the absence of functional disability (CI 95%). It was found that there is a higher area under the ROC curve for the time spent on physical activities in females. It was observed that 280 minutes / week (women) or 410 minutes / week (men) were the best cutoff points for predicting the absence of functional disability. Time spent on physical activity practices can serve as an important indicator to sort priority groups for certain interventions.

Para analisar o tempo despendido em atividades físicas, nos sexos feminino e masculino, como preditor da ausência da incapacidade funcional em idosos, procedeu-se ao estudo transversal com 624 indivíduos. Foram construídas curvas Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) e comparadas às áreas de atividade física, por sexo e à ausência da incapacidade funcional. Identificaram-se pontos de corte de atividade física (minutos/semana) para predizer a ausência de incapacidade funcional (IC 95%). Encontrou-se maior área sob a curva ROC para o tempo despendido em atividades físicas no sexo feminino. Observou-se que 280 minutos/semana (mulheres) ou 410 minutos/semana (homens) foram os melhores pontos de corte para predizer a ausência de incapacidade funcional. O tempo despendido em práticas de atividades físicas pode servir como importante indicador para seleção de grupos prioritários, visando determinadas intervenções.

Para analizar el tiempo que los hombres y mujeres invierten en actividad física, como un predictor de la ausencia de discapacidad funcional en las personas mayores, se llevó a cabo un estudio de corte transversal con 624 individuos. Se desarrollaron las curvas Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) y se compararon con las áreas de la actividad física, por sexo y la ausencia de discapacidad funcional. Se identificaron los puntos de corte de la actividad física (minutos/semana) para predecir la ausencia de discapacidad funcional (IC 95%). Se encontró un área mayor bajo la curva ROC para el tiempo que invierten las mujeres en actividad física. Los resultado sugieren, que 280 minutos/semana (en mujeres) y 410 minutos/semana (en hombres), son los puntos de corte que mejor predicen la ausencia de discapacidad funcional. El tiempo invertido en realizar actividad física, se puede utilizar como un importante indicador para realizar la clasificación de los grupos prioritarios en ciertas intervenciones.

[Prevalence and factors associated with negative health perception by the Brazilian elderly]. / Prevalência e fatores associados à percepção negativa da saúde em pessoas idosas no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with negative health perception in older Brazilians. METHODS: Population study of a cross-sectional sample, conducted in 2009 in three cities of Brazil. The stratified simple random sample consisted of 909 adults between 60 and 91 years of age. A gross and multivariate analysis by estimated prevalence rate (PR) using Poisson regression with calculation of adjusted prevalence ratios, p < 0.05 was performed to identify factors associated with negative perception of health (NPH). RESULTS: The prevalence of NPH was 49.6%. After the multivariate association, a certain association for men with older age PR = 1.03 (Cl = 1.01 to 1.06), risk of malnutrition PR = 1.66 (CI = 1.13 to 2.43) and disability PR = 1.79 (CI = 1.21 to 1.77) was observed. For women, the association was with taking more than two medications PR = 1.41 (CI = 1.13 to 2.52), hypertension PR = 1.52 (CI = 1.43 to 1.97) and functional disability PR = 1.36 (CI = 1.13 to 1.86). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the elderly have NHP, therefore preventive actions that decrease drug use and encourage behaviors toward better nutritional conditions should be tied to public policies in order to promote the functional independence and well-being of the elderly.

Prevalência e fatores associados à percepção negativa da saúde em pessoas idosas no Brasil / Prevalence and factors associated with negative health perception by the Brazilian elderly

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores associados à percepção negativa de saúde em idosos brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Estudo de base populacional com delineamento transversal realizado no ano de 2009, em três cidades do Brasil. A amostra estratificada de forma aleatória simples foi composta de 909 adultos de 60 a 91 anos. Na identificação dos fatores associados com a percepção negativa de saúde (PNS), foi realizada análise bruta e mutivariável por estimativas das Razões de Prevalência (RP), por meio da regressão de Poisson; p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: A prevalência para PNS foi de 49,6 por cento, e após análise multivariada foi observado associação para os homens com o aumento da idade RP = 1,03 (IC = 1,01 - 1,06), risco de desnutrição RP = 1,66 (IC = 1,13 - 2,43) e incapacidade funcional RP = 1,79 (IC = 1,21-1,77). Para as mulheres, o uso superior a dois medicamentos RP = 1,41 (IC = 1,13 - 2,52), hipertensão arterial RP = 1,52 (IC = 1,43 - 1,97) e a incapacidade funcional RP = 1,36 (IC = 1,13 - 1,86). CONCLUSÕES: Quase a metade dos idosos possuem uma PNS, de maneira que ações preventivas de diminuição ao uso de medicamentos e comportamentos que favoreçam melhores condições nutricionais devem estar atreladas às políticas públicas à promoção da autonomia funcional e do bem-estar dos idosos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with negative health perception in older Brazilians. METHODS: Population study of a cross-sectional sample, conducted in 2009 in three cities of Brazil. The stratified simple random sample consisted of 909 adults between 60 and 91 years of age. A gross and multivariate analysis by estimated prevalence rate (PR) using Poisson regression with calculation of adjusted prevalence ratios, p < 0.05 was performed to identify factors associated with negative perception of health (NPH). RESULTS: The prevalence of NPH was 49.6 percent. After the multivariate association, a certain association for men with older age PR = 1.03 (Cl = 1.01 to 1.06), risk of malnutrition PR = 1.66 (CI = 1.13 to 2.43) and disability PR = 1.79 (CI = 1.21 to 1.77) was observed. For women, the association was with taking more than two medications PR = 1.41 (CI = 1.13 to 2.52), hypertension PR = 1.52 (CI = 1.43 to 1.97) and functional disability PR = 1.36 (CI = 1.13 to 1.86). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the elderly have NHP, therefore preventive actions that decrease drug use and encourage behaviors toward better nutritional conditions should be tied to public policies in order to promote the functional independence and well-being of the elderly.

Factores asociados al riesgo de desnutrición en mujeres mayoresen comunidades de bajos ingresos / Factors associated to risk of malnutrition amongst elderly women in low-income communities

Objective: The present study aimed to identify the prevalence and the factors associated with the risk ofmalnutrition in elderly women.Methods: The study deals with a cross-sectional design, with a sample of 222 women in the age group from 60to 96 years of age. An interview was carried out containing socio-demographic variables, clinical conditions, and behavioral aspects. The statistical analysis was accomplished via calculation of the respective prevalence ratios (PR) in the Poisson regression, p<0.05. Results: A prevalence of 33.8% (n=75) of women, considered with a malnutrition risk or undernourished, which started from the hierarchical multivariate analysis, was identified. A significant association with the age group ranging from 70 to 79 years of age (PR=2.1; CI 95%: 1.3-6.7), low education level (PR=3.1; CI 95%: 1.0-11,6), living with otherpeople (PR=2.0; CI 95%: 1.0-4.6), the presence of depressive symptomatology (PR=2.1; CI 95%: 1.0-7.1), absenceof administration of medication (PR=3.0; CI 95%: 1.1-7.6), having had some food privation along their lives (PR=3.1; CI 95%: 1.3-9.6), and with less than 75% of the time of physical activity in their leisure time (PR=2.0; CI 95%: 1.0-4.7) were found.Conclusion: There is a high percentage of elderly women in situation of malnutrition risk, and the associatedfactors to the condition suggests a complex causal net in the determination of the nutritional state.