The effects of 12 weeks of step aerobics training on functional fitness of elderly women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 12 weeks of step aerobics (SA) training on the functional fitness of apparently healthy older women. Thirteen previously sedentary elderly women (mean age 63.14 years) participated in this study. Subjects performed 3 training sessions per week for 30-60 minutes per session. All measurements were assessed at baseline, after 12 weeks of training (posttest), and after 1 month of detraining. Assessments included the evaluation of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), strength of the upper (arm-curl [AC] test) and lower body (30-second chair-stand test [CS]), dynamic balance and agility (8 foot up and go [8 ft]), flexibility (chair sit-and-reach [CSR]), and cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test [6MW]). Step aerobics significantly improved all functional fitness components except for BMI. The 12 weeks of SA promoted a large effect size in the following measurements: WC (d = 1.6); CSR (d = 1.51); CS (d = 1.49); AC (d = 1.41); 8 ft (d = 1.32); and 6MW (d = 1.06) (p < 0.05). These results indicate that 12 weeks of SA had a positive effect on the functional fitness components of these older women. Furthermore, these findings were confirmed by the reverse effect observed after 1 month of detraining, except for upper body strength (AC test). In conclusion, 12 weeks of SA training can promote improvements in the functional fitness of apparently healthy older women. Therefore, SA can be considered an effective exercise modality to prevent the loss of functional fitness and its associated consequences.

A comparison of functional fitness of older Brazilian and American women.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to generate a functional-fitness profile for older women from the south of Brazil and to compare their functional profile with an age-matched cohort of American women. The Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (body-mass index, 6-min-walk test, chair sit-and-reach, chair stand, arm curl, and 8-ft up-and-go) was administered to 1,033 participants. Z scores indicate that older American women performed better in all functional tests than age-matched Brazilians. This fact could be explained by the delayed establishment of specific health policies for older adults in Brazil. In conclusion, the findings provide guidelines about the normal variation of functional fitness in older women from the southern region of Brazil. In addition, these data can be used to help identify older women with functional losses, thereby assisting in the diagnosis of early disability.

Association of fitness and waist circumference with hypertension in Brazilian elderly women.

BACKGROUND: The protective effect of cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of obesity, has been recognized in adults. However, this association is still not clear in elderly individuals. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between hypertension and cardiorespiratory fitness in 1,064 elderly Brazilian women. METHODS: Central obesity was estimated by waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness by the 6-minutes walk test. ANOVA one way, chi-square and logistic regression were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 53.9%. The central obesity group had higher odds for hypertension when compared with the non-central-obesity group, in the same cardiorespiratory fitness group. Furthermore, both the central obesity and non-central obesity groups had a progressive increase in the odds ratio for hypertension, from the highest to lowest fitness groups, indicating an inverse relation between fitness and central adiposity. The non-central obesity group had the lowest odds ratios (OR), 1.49 (95%IC 0.97-2.28) and 1.54 (95%IC 0.94-2.51); whereas the central obesity group had an OR of 2.08 (95%IC 1.47-2.93), 2.79 (95%IC 1.79-4.33) and 3.09 (95%IC 1.86-5.12). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that the waist circumference measurement is a strong predictor of hypertension and suggested that the protective effect of cardiorespiratory fitness can be extended to elderly women, even to those with central obesity.

Associação de aptidão cardiorrespiratória e circunferência abdominal com hipertensão em mulheres idosas brasileiras / Asociación de aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y circunferencia abdominal con hipertensión en mujeres adultas mayores brasileñas / Association of fitness and waist circumference with hypertension in Brazilian elderly women

FUNDAMENTO: O efeito protetor da aptidão cardiorrespiratória tem sido reconhecido nos adultos. Entretanto, essa relação ainda não se mostra esclarecida nos idosos. OBJETIVO: Analisar a associação entre hipertensão e aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ACR) em 1.064 mulheres idosas Brasileiras. MÉTODO: A obesidade central foi estimada pela circunferência abdominal (CA) e a ACR pelo teste de caminhada de 6 minutos. Os testes de ANOVA one-way, Qui-quadrado e regressão logística foram usados para a análise estatística. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de hipertensão foi de 53,9 por cento. O grupo obesidade central apresentou maior risco para hipertensão quando comparado ao grupo não-obesidade central, mesmo pertencendo ao mesmo nível de ACR. Além disso, ambos os grupos mostraram um aumento progressivo do risco para hipertensão do maior para o menor grupo de ACR, indicando uma relação inversa entre ACR e obesidade central. O grupo não-obesidade central obteve o menor odds ratio (OR) de 1,49 (95 por centoIC 0,97-2,28) e 1,54 (95 por centoIC 0,94-2,51); enquanto que no grupo obesidade central, o OR foi 2,08 (95 por centoIC 1,47-2,93), 2,79 (95 por centoIC 1,79-4,33) e 3,09 (95 por centoIC 1,86-5,12). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados encontrados indicaram que a CC é um forte preditor de hipertensão, e que o efeito protetor da ACR pode ser estendido às mulheres idosas, mesmo àquelas com obesidade central.

BACKGROUND: The protective effect of cardiorespiratory fitness, regardless of obesity, has been recognized in adults. However, this association is still not clear in elderly individuals. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between hypertension and cardiorespiratory fitness in 1,064 elderly Brazilian women. METHODS: Central obesity was estimated by waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness by the 6-minutes walk test. ANOVA one way, chi-square and logistic regression were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 53.9 percent. The central obesity group had higher odds for hypertension when compared with the non-central-obesity group, in the same cardiorespiratory fitness group. Furthermore, both the central obesity and non-central obesity groups had a progressive increase in the odds ratio for hypertension, from the highest to lowest fitness groups, indicating an inverse relation between fitness and central adiposity. The non-central obesity group had the lowest odds ratios (OR), 1.49 (95 percentIC 0.97-2.28) and 1.54 (95 percentIC 0.94-2.51); whereas the central obesity group had an OR of 2.08 (95 percentIC 1.47-2.93), 2.79 (95 percentIC 1.79-4.33) and 3.09 (95 percentIC 1.86-5.12). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that the waist circumference measurement is a strong predictor of hypertension and suggested that the protective effect of cardiorespiratory fitness can be extended to elderly women, even to those with central obesity.

FUNDAMENTO: El efecto protector de la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria ha sido reconocido en los adultos. Sin embargo, esa relación todavía no está aclarada en las personas adultas mayores. OBJETIVO: Analizar la asociación entre hipertensión y aptitud cardiorrespiratoria (ACR) en 1.064 mujeres adultas mayores brasileñas. MÉTODOS: La obesidad central se estimó por la circunferencia abdominal (CA) y la ACR por el test de marcha de 6 minutos. Se emplearon las pruebas de ANOVA one-way, Chi-cuadrado y regresión logística para el análisis estadístico. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de hipertensión fue de un 53,9 por ciento. El grupo obesidad central presentó mayor riesgo para hipertensión cuando comparado al grupo no-obesidad central, aun perteneciendo al mismo nivel de ACR. Además de ello, ambos grupos revelaron un aumento progresivo del riesgo para hipertensión del mayor para el menor grupo de ACR, indicando una relación inversa entre ACR y obesidad central. El grupo no-obesidad central obtuvo el menor odds ratio (OR) de 1,49 (95 por cientoIC 0,97-2,28) y 1,54 (95 por cientoIC 0,94-2,51); mientras que en el grupo obesidad central, el OR fue 2,08 (95 por cientoIC 1,47-2,93), 2,79 (95 por cientoIC 1,79-4,33) y 3,09 (95 por cientoIC 1,86-5,12). CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados encontrados indicaron que la CC es un fuerte predictor de hipertensión, y que el efecto protector de la ACR puede extenderse a las mujeres adultas mayores, aun a las con obesidad central.

Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade geral e central em mulheres idosas da cidade de Curitiba, Paraná / Prevalence of overweight, general and central obesity in elderly women from Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Investigar a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade geral e central em uma amostra representativa da população de mulheres idosas do município de Curitiba, Paraná. MÉTODOS: Este estudo apresentou delineamento observacional, transversal e descritivo. As variáveis índice de massa corporal e da circunferência de cintura foram obtidas para a determinação do sobrepeso e obesidade geral e central, respectivamente. Medidas de tendência central, variabilidade, freqüências relativas e absolutas em cada faixa etária, dentro das categorias de índice de massa corporal e circunferência de cintura, foram verificadas. RESULTADOS: Participaram deste estudo 1069 mulheres com idade superior a 60 anos (média=69,5, desvio-padrão=6,1 anos). Em relação às categorias do índice de massa corporal, a maioria dos sujeitos teve seu estado nutricional classificado como sobrepeso (43,5%), seguido por obesidade (34,0%) e normalidade (22,5%). Por sua vez, a obesidade (45,1%) foi a condição nutricional prevalente em relação às categorias para a circunferência de cintura, seguida por sobrepeso (33,1%) e normalidade (21,8%). Além disso, o sobrepeso e a obesidade geral diminuíram da primeira para a última faixa etária (-20,4% e -11,6%, respectivamente), enquanto a normalidade elevou-se substancialmente (+75,3%). Resultados similares foram verificados em relação à adiposidade central, nos quais as condições de sobrepeso e obesidade declinaram 14,3% e 8,3%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Uma elevada prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade geral e central foi verificada entre as mulheres idosas da cidade de Curitiba (PR), independentemente da idade. Programas públicos visando à prevenção e à redução do excesso de adiposidade corporal a partir de intervenção nos padrões de ingestão dietética e gasto energético, como a prática regular de exercício físico, tornam-se necessários...

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of general and central overweight and obesity in a representative sample of the population of elderly women living in Curitiba, Paraná. Methods: The experimental design of this study was observational, cross-sectional and descriptive. The variables body mass index and waist circumference were obtained to determine general and central overweight and obesity, respectively. Measurements of central tendency, variability, relative and absolute frequencies in each age group within the body mass index and waist circumference categories were verified.Results: The sample consisted of 1069 women aged above 60 years (mean=69.5; standard deviation=6.1 years). In relation to body mass index, most of the subjects were classified as overweight (43.5%), followed by obese(34.0%) and normal (22.5%). On the other hand, obesity (45.1%) prevailed in relation to the categories for waist circumference, followed by overweight (33.1%) and normal (21.8%). Furthermore, general overweightand obesity decreased from the first to the last age group (-20.4% and - 1.6%, respectively), while normal weight increased substantially (+75.3%). Similar results were verified in relation to central adiposity, where overweight and obesity decreased 14.3% and 8.3%, respectively. Conclusion: An elevated prevalence of general and central overweight and obesity was verified among elderly women fromCuritiba, Paraná, Brazil, regardless of age. Public health programs that aim to prevent and reduce excess body fat by intervening on dietary intake patterns and energy expenditure by recommending regular physical activity are necessary for this population.

Analysis of the lipid profile of elderly women in Curitiba - Parana.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is considered one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is more frequent in older individuals. However, evidence suggests that a large number of elderly individuals is not aware of their lipid profile status; additionally, many of them do not have access to adequate treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the lipid profile and the frequency of lipid-lowering therapy use in elderly women from the city of Curitiba, state of Parana, Brazil. METHODS: The sample consisted of 312 women (mean age = 68.8; SD = 6.0 years). The lipid profile was determined by plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). The number of subjects that reported being on lipid-lowering therapy was self-reported; therefore, the groups were divided into two subgroups, satisfactory and unsatisfactory. RESULTS: A high prevalence of individuals with unsatisfactory levels of lipid profile components was observed in the group that self-reported not being on lipid-lowering therapy; of these, 74.2% of women with CVD presented levels above the LDL-C goal. On the other hand, 45.8 to 49.3% of the individuals from the group that self-reported being on lipid-lowering therapy had unsatisfactory values of TC, TG and LDL-C, and 25.4% had HDL-C levels lower than 40.0 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation indicate a high prevalence of elderly women, regardless of self-reports of being on lipid-lowering therapy, with an unsatisfactory lipid profile, mainly related to LDL-C goal for those individuals with CVD.

Análise do perfil lipídico de mulheres idosas em Curitiba - Paraná / Analysis of the lipid profile of elderly woman in Curitiba - Parana

FUNDAMENTO: A dislipidemia é considerada um dos principais fatores de risco para a doença cardiovascular, que, por sua vez, é mais freqüente em indivíduos de idade avançada. Contudo, evidências sugerem que uma parcela da população idosa desconhece a característica de seu perfil lipídico, assim como muitos não possuem acesso a um tratamento adequado. OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil lipídico e a freqüência da utilização da terapia hipolipemiante de mulheres idosas em Curitiba - Paraná. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 312 mulheres (idade média 68,8; desvio padrão 6,0 anos). O perfil lipídico foi determinado por meio das dosagens de colesterol total (CT), colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-C), colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-C) e triglicerídeos (TG). A utilização da terapia hipolipemiante foi verificada por meio de auto-relato, em seguida os grupos foram divididos em dois subgrupos, satisfatório e insatisfatório. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrada uma grande prevalência de indivíduos com valores insatisfatórios nos componentes do perfil lipídico, no grupo que relatou não estar sob terapia hipolipemiante: 74,2 por cento das mulheres portadoras de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) apresentaram valores superiores à meta lipêmica para o LDL-C (<100,0 mg/dl). Por sua vez, 45,8 por cento a 49,3 por cento dos indivíduos do grupo que relatou utilizar medicamento hipolipemiante apresentaram valores insatisfatórios para CT, TG e LDL-C, e 25,4 por cento obtiveram valores de HDL-C inferiores a 40,0 mg/dl. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados desta investigação indicam uma alta prevalência de mulheres idosas, independentemente do auto-relato de utilizar terapia hipolipemiante, com o perfil lipídico desfavorável, principalmente em relação à meta lipêmica para o LDL-C nas mulheres idosas portadoras de DCV.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is considered one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is more frequent in older individuals. However, evidence suggests that a large number of elderly individuals is not aware of their lipid profile status; additionally, many of them do not have access to adequate treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the lipid profile and the frequency of lipid-lowering therapy use in elderly women from the city of Curitiba, state of Parana, Brazil. METHODS: The sample consisted of 312 women (mean age = 68.8; SD = 6.0 years). The lipid profile was determined by plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). The number of subjects that reported being on lipid-lowering therapy was self-reported; therefore, the groups were divided into two subgroups, satisfactory and unsatisfactory. RESULTS: A high prevalence of individuals with unsatisfactory levels of lipid profile components was observed in the group that self-reported not being on lipid-lowering therapy; of these, 74.2 percent of women with CVD presented levels above the LDL-C goal. On the other hand, 45.8 to 49.3 percent of the individuals from the group that self-reported being on lipid-lowering therapy had unsatisfactory values of TC, TG and LDL-C, and 25.4 percent had HDL-C levels lower than 40.0 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation indicate a high prevalence of elderly women, regardless of self-reports of being on lipid-lowering therapy, with an unsatisfactory lipid profile, mainly related to LDL-C goal for those individuals with CVD.

Association of adiposity, cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise practice with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Brazilian elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes incidence in people with advanced age is increasing at an alarming rate, and for this reason the screening of high-risk individuals such as elderly women is critically important. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association of adiposity, cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise practice with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in elderly Brazilian women. METHODS: Participated of this cross sectional study 1,059 elderly women (mean 69.5 yr; SD 6.1), who self-reported family history of cardiovascular disease, smoking status, hypertension, and T2D diagnosed previously by a physician. The following independent variables were assessed: exercise practice, body mass index, waist circumference, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between each independent variable with T2D using adjusted-models. RESULTS: T2D prevalence was 16%. General and central adiposity were directly associated with T2D, whereas cardiorespiratory fitness was inversely related with T2D. The joint effect of exercise practice and central adiposity showed that inactive women had higher odds ratio for T2D when compared with active ones, within the same WC group. Inactive women with WC > or = 94.0 cm had an odds ratio of 5.8 (95%IC 1.3-25.3). CONCLUSIONS: A direct positive association was found between general and central adiposity, as well as an inverse relation between CRF and exercise practice with T2D. Elderly women who practice exercise regularly had lower odds for T2D. Health professionals should encourage individuals of all ages to engage on regular exercise practice, which could reduce body fatness and may be beneficial in reducing the prevalence of T2D in older ages.

Influence of overall and abdominal adiposity on C-reactive protein levels in elderly women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how overall and abdominal adiposity, measured by waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and sum of skinfolds (sigmaSK), affect plasma C-reactive protein levels (CRP) in elderly women. METHODS: Study sample consisted of 387 women older than 60 years (mean age 68.9; standard deviation 5.9 years). BMI, WC, sigmaSK, and CRP levels were all measured. One-way ANOVA was performed to detect differences in study variables among the CRP levels investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of body fat measurements on CRP levels. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The analysis of variance showed that mean WC was lower in women with normal CRP levels, as compared to those with high CRP levels. Logistic regression analysis examined the influence of BMI, WC, and sigmaSK quartiles on CRP levels, yielding the following results: only WC was predictive of elevated CRP levels, its highest quartile (cut-off point of 94.0 cm) showing levels nearly two times higher than its lowest quartile (odds ratio = 2.23; 95% confidence interval = 1.92-4.18; p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that abdominal adiposity is a strong predictor of elevated CRP levels.

Association between lipid profile and adiposity in women over age 60.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between lipid profiles and overall or central obesity in women over the age of 60. METHODS: The sample was comprised of 388 women over the age of 60 (mean 69; standard deviation 5.9 years). The lipid profile was determined using total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Overall obesity was determined using the body mass index (BMI) and skin fold (SF) measurements. Central obesity was determined using the waist circumference (WC) and waist--hip ratio (WHR). Statistical analysis was conducted using age adjusted partial correlation and one way ANOVA (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean values found for the adiposity variables and lipid profile components indicate an elevated atherogenic risk. In addition, the indicators for overall and central obesity were directly related to TG levels and inversely related to HDL-C levels. CONCLUSION: The partial correlation analysis and the largest variance found for WC and WHR in comparison to the lipidogram components indicate that both methods could be useful in the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

Influência da adiposidade global e da adiposidade abdominal nos níveis de proteína C-reativa em mulheres idosas / Influence of overall and abdominal adiposity on C-reactive protein levels in elderly women

OBJETIVO: Examinar como a adiposidade global e a adiposidade abdominal, expressas pela circunferência da cintura (CC), pelo índice de massa corporal (IMC) e pelo somatório de dobras cutâneas (sigmaDC), influenciam os níveis de proteína C-reativa (PCR) em mulheres idosas. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 387 mulheres idosas, com idade superior a 60 anos (média, 68,9; desvio padrão, 5,9 anos). Foram avaliados o IMC, a CC, o sigmaDC, e os níveis de PCR. Foi utilizada a análise estatística ANOVA one-way para verificar as diferenças nas variáveis entre as categorias investigadas. Para avaliar a influência das medidas de adiposidade nos níveis de PCR foi utilizada a regressão logística. O nível de significância adotado foi de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: A análise de variância demonstrou que o valor médio da CC foi menor na categoria normal de PCR, quando comparada aos níveis elevados de PCR. A regressão logística analisou a influência dos quartis do IMC, da CC e do sigmaDC nos níveis de PCR, em que apenas a CC foi preditora de níveis elevados de PCR, tendo o quartil extremo superior (ponto de corte de 94,0 cm) apresentado níveis quase duas vezes maiores que o quartil extremo inferior (risco estimado = 2,23; intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento = 1,92-4,18; p = 0,012). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do presente estudo apontam que a adiposidade abdominal é um forte preditor de níveis elevados de PCR.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how overall and abdominal adiposity, measured by waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and sum of skinfolds (sigmaSK), affect plasma C-reactive protein levels (CRP) in elderly women. METHODS: Study sample consisted of 387 women older than 60 years (mean age 68.9; standard deviation 5.9 years). BMI, WC, sigmaSK, and CRP levels were all measured. One-way ANOVA was performed to detect differences in study variables among the CRP levels investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of body fat measurements on CRP levels. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The analysis of variance showed that mean WC was lower in women with normal CRP levels, as compared to those with high CRP levels. Logistic regression analysis examined the influence of BMI, WC, and sigmaSK quartiles on CRP levels, yielding the following results: only WC was predictive of elevated CRP levels, its highest quartile (cut-off point of 94.0 cm) showing levels nearly two times higher than its lowest quartile (odds ratio = 2.23; 95 percent confidence interval = 1.92-4.18; p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that abdominal adiposity is a strong predictor of elevated CRP levels.

Associação entre perfil lipídico e adiposidade corporal em mulheres com mais de 60 anos de idade / Association between lipid profile and adiposity in women over age 60

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre perfil lipídico e medidas de obesidade corporal global e central em mulheres com idade superior a 60 anos. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 388 mulheres, com mais de 60 anos de idade (média, 69,0; desvio padrão, 5,9 anos). O perfil lipídico foi determinado por meio das dosagens de colesterol total (CT), colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-colesterol), colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-colesterol) e triglicerídeos (TG). A obesidade global foi mensurada pelo índice de massa corporal (IMC) e pelas dobras cutâneas (DC), e a obesidade central foi mensurada pela circunferência da cintura (CC) e pela relação cintura-quadril (RCQ). A análise estatística foi realizada por meio da correlação parcial ajustada para a idade e ANOVA one-way (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: Os valores médios encontrados nas variáveis de adiposidade corporal e nos componentes do perfil lipídico indicam elevado risco aterogênico. Além disso, os indicadores de obesidade tanto global como central foram diretamente associados com os níveis de TG e inversamente associados com os níveis de HDL-colesterol. CONCLUSÃO: A análise de correlação parcial e a maior variância encontrada na CC e na RCQ com os componentes do lipidograma sugerem que ambos os métodos podem auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce da aterosclerose.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between lipid profiles and overall or central obesity in women over the age of 60. METHODS: The sample was comprised of 388 women over the age of 60 (mean 69; standard deviation 5.9 years). The lipid profile was determined using total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Overall obesity was determined using the body mass index (BMI) and skin fold (SF) measurements. Central obesity was determined using the waist circumference (WC) and waist - hip ratio (WHR). Statistical analysis was conducted using age adjusted partial correlation and one way ANOVA (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean values found for the adiposity variables and lipid profile components indicate an elevated atherogenic risk. In addition, the indicators for overall and central obesity were directly related to TG levels and inversely related to HDL-C levels. CONLCUSION: The partial correlation analysis and the largest variance found for WC and WHR in comparison to the lipidogram components indicate that both methods could be useful in the early diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

Parâmetros fisiológicos e perceptivos durante caminhada de intensidade preferida por mulheres adultas, previamente sedentárias / Physiological and perceptual responses of sedentary women while walking at a self-selected pace

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar os parâmetros fisiológicos e perceptivos durante a realização de caminhada de intensidade preferida por mulheres adultas, previamente sedentárias. Foram investigados 41 sujeitos (idade 32,6 ± 8,6 anos), os quais realizaram, inicialmente, um teste de esteira incremental até a exaustão para a determinação de respostas fisiológicas e perceptivas máximas e, posteriormente, um teste de caminhada em esteira por 20 minutos em uma intensidade auto-selecionada, no qual parâmetros fisiológicos e perceptivos foram obtidos. Medidas de tendência central e variabilidade foram empregadas para a análise descritiva das variáveis investigadas nesse estudo. Em relação às respostas fisiológicas, verificou-se que os sujeitos preferem exercitar-se em uma intensidade média de 57,3 ± 12,1% do consumo de oxigênio pico (VO2pico) e 74,4 ± 9,3% da frequência cardíaca pico (FCpico), correspondente à 88,4 ± 19,8% e 85,6 ± 21,6% dos valores obtidos no limiar ventilatório (LV). Por sua vez, as respostas perceptivas de sensação subjetivade esforço (SSE) e valência afetiva (VA) determinadas durante a caminhada, apresentaram valores médios de 11.9 ± 2,1 e 2,4 ± 2,0, equivalentes a 100,7 ± 20,0% e 96,0 ± 2,0% dos valores de LV, respectivamente. Desse modo, pode-se concluir que mulheres adultas previamente sedentárias auto-selecionam uma intensidade de caminhada perceptivamente agradável e capaz de proporcionar a ocorrência de significativas adaptações cardiorrespiratórias.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological and perceptual responses of sedentary women while walking at a self-selected pace. The sample was made up of forty-one women with a median age of 32.6 ± 8.6 years. Subjects underwent an incremental test until exhaustion on a treadmill in order to determine their maximum physiological and perceptual responses. The subjects then a 20-minute walking test at their self-selected pace to determine physiological and perceptual responses. Descriptive analysis was in the form of measures of central tendency, variability and relativefrequency. Mean exercise intensity during the walking bout was 57.3 ± 12.1% of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and 74.4± 9.3% of peak heart rate (HRpeak), corresponding to 88.4 ± 19.8% and 85.6 ± 21.6% of the fi gures obtained at ventilatorythreshold (VT), respectively. Nevertheless, the rating of perceived effort (RPE) and affective valence (AV) during the walking session returned mean values of 11.9 ± 2.1 and 2.4 ± 2.0, which correspond to 100.7 ± 20.0% and 96.0 ± 2.0% of the fi guresobtained at VT, respectively. In conclusion, the exercise intensity that was self-selected by this group of sedentary women meets current recommendations for moderate intensity exercise and was associated with increased pleasure.

Alterações morfológicas relacionadas à idade em mulheres idosas / Age related morphological alterations in elderly women

O objetivo do presente estudo foi apresentar o perfil morfológico em diferentes faixas etárias de mulheres idosas. A amostra foi constituída de 1016 indivíduos do sexo feminino, com idade superior a 60 anos. Foram mensuradas as seguintes variáveis antropométricas: massa corporal, estatura e circunferências, dobras cutâneas e posterior cálculo do percentual de gordura. Os valores médios das variáveis: massa corporal, estatura, índice de massa corporal, circunferências e dobras cutâneas das mulheres mais jovens reduziram, quando comparadas às mais idosas. Os declínios mais expressivos ocorreram nas circunferências de braço, coxa média e panturrilha medial, indicando, possivelmente, uma menor massa muscular em populações mais idosas. Apesar dos valores médios do índice de massa corporal classificar em as mulheres idosas, predominantemente, com sobre peso,parece que os indivíduos que alcançam as idades mais avançadas são aqueles que apresentam menor adiposidade corporal. Sugere-se que futuros estudos busquem investigar essas modificações em diferentes populações, como os idosos do sexo masculino...

The purpose of the present study was to present the morphological profile of elderly women from different age groups. The sample was made of 1,016 women, with age greater than 60 years. The following anthropometric variables were measured: body mass, height, circumferences and skin folds and percent body fat was calculated. The mean values of the variables body mass, height, body mass index, circumferences and skin folds decreased in the younger women group when they were compared to the oldest women. More expressive declines occurred in arm, midthigh, and medial calf circumferences, indicating a possible smaller muscle mass in older populations. Despite the fact that the body mass index mean values classify elderly women, predominantly, as overweight, it seems that the individuals that reach older age are those that present less body fatness. It´s suggested that future studies investigate these modifications in different populations, as elderly men...