Evidence-based practice in undergraduate physiotherapy programs in Brazil: A cross-sectional document analysis study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physiotherapists worldwide are encouraged to integrate evidence-based practice (EBP) to provide safer and effective services. However, for professionals to consolidate this practice, the contact with EBP must begin at the university. In this study, we aimed to map and analyze the distribution of EBP courses and their characteristics in undergraduate physiotherapy programs in Brazil. METHODS: This web-based document analysis study analyzed the current curricula of undergraduate physiotherapy programs in Brazil according to their availability on university sites. The identification of curricular components and analysis of EBP course syllabi used evidence-based descriptive terms. A descriptive analysis was used to verify the frequency and the regional distribution of EBP courses. RESULTS: Of 1033 accredited programs in Brazil, 809 curricula were analyzed. Only 9.4% (76/809) of the analyzed curricula presented EBP courses; the mean duration of courses was 44.3 (SD 13.5) hours. Southeast region had the greatest number of undergraduate programs (46.5%, 376/809), and the north region had a proportionally greater number of EBP courses (24%, 12/50). In addition, 15.6% (10/64) and 8.9% (66/739) of the curricula of public and private institutions, respectively, provided EBP content. Critical appraisal was the most mentioned step among 15 undergraduate programs with complete EBP syllabi. DISCUSSION: Most undergraduate physiotherapy programs in Brazil did not offer an EBP course. Also, an unbalanced emphasis on the critical appraisal step was observed. The lack of EBP content and skills in the curricula of Brazilian undergraduate physiotherapy programs may negatively influence the training, decision-making, and clinical practice of physiotherapists. A re-evaluating of the current undergraduate programs and curricula for EBP-based education is needed.

Cross-Sectional Study on the Association Between Respiratory Muscle Strength and Dynapenic Abdominal Obesity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Purpose: Impaired respiratory muscle strength has been associated with some geriatric syndromes. However, no studies have previously evaluated the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and dynapenic abdominal obesity. This study aimed to analyze whether there is an association between respiratory muscle strength and abdominal obesity, dynapenia and dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in community-dwelling older adults. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with community-dwelling older adults (n=382 / 70.03 ± 7.3 years) from Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively), using an analog manovacuometry. DAO was defined as the combination of dynapenia (grip strength < 26 kgf for men and < 16 kgf for women) and abdominal obesity (abdominal circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women). We performed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using the student's t-test for independent and related samples and linear regression model. Results: Older adults with abdominal obesity, dynapenia, and DAO presented lower mean values (obtained and obtained versus predicted; except abdominal obesity versus MIP) for maximal respiratory pressures compared to individuals without these conditions. However, the adjusted analysis only indicated an association between MIP and the following conditions: dynapenia (MIP - ß =-0.171; p<0.001), abdominal obesity (MIP - ß=0.102; p=0.042), and DAO (MIP - ß=-0.101; p=0.028). Conclusion: Older adults with abdominal obesity, dynapenia, and DAO showed impaired maximal respiratory pressures. The results of the adjusted analysis indicate that inspiratory muscle strength may require greater attention by health professionals aiming at preventing respiratory complications and improving respiratory health care in older people with these conditions.

Como direcionar a formação do fisioterapeuta em Gerontologia no Brasil diante do envelhecimento populacional? / How to direct the training of physiotherapists in Gerontology in Brazil in the face of population aging?

O rápido envelhecimento populacional brasileiro mudou nosso cenário de saúde, o que exige que o profissional fisioterapeuta esteja preparado para lidar com as especificidades desta população. A Associação Brasileira de Fisioterapia em Gerontologia (ABRAFIGE), que tem a missão de fortalecer a especialidade e promover assistência qualificada em Fisioterapia em Gerontologia, propõe uma relação das competências fundamentais para formação no ensino nos cursos de graduação em Fisioterapia e de pósgraduação lato sensu em Fisioterapia em Gerontologia. Essa iniciativa visa auxiliar os gestores das Instituições de Ensino Superior das diversas regiões brasileiras no planejamento de tais cursos de forma a melhorar a qualidade da formação dos fisioterapeutas nessa área.

The rapid aging of the Brazilian population has changed the health scenario. Such a change requires physiotherapists to be prepared to deal with the specificities of this population. The Associação Brasileira de Fisioterapia em Gerontologia - ABRAFIGE (Brazilian Association of Physical Therapy in Gerontology), which has the mission of strengthening the specialty and the purpose of promoting qualified assistance in physical therapy in gerontology, proposes fundamental skills for training in teaching in undergraduate and graduate courses in physical therapy in gerontology. This initiative aims to assist administrators at higher education institutions in different regions of Brazil in the planning of such courses to improve the quality of the education of physiotherapists in this field.

Investigating Factors Associated with Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Adults through Structural Equation Modeling Analysis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The scientific literature mentions the existence of factors associated with fear of falling in older adults. However, the direct and indirect paths of its predictors have not yet been fully explored. This study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic, clinical, and health factors directly and indirectly associated with fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in older adults (n = 410 - 70.11 ± 7.22 years). Clinical and health-condition data were collected, as were data on fear of falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale International-Brazil (FES-I Brazil). It was found that being female and having a higher number of self-reported morbidities, worse physical performance, and a higher number of depressive symptoms were directly associated with greater fear of falling. Regarding indirect associations, physical inactivity, mediated by a greater number of morbidities, worse physical performance, and a greater number of depressive symptoms, was associated with greater fear of falling. In addition, worse self-rated health, mediated by a greater number of depressive symptoms, as well as older age, mediated by worse physical performance, were associated with the outcome. This study provides information on the predictors directly and indirectly associated with fear of falling, expanding current understanding of this relationship.

Fatores socioeconômicos, hábitos de vida e saúde de mulheres idosas com e sem vivência sexual em um município no interior de Minas Gerais / Socialeconomic factors, lifestyle habits, and the health of older women with and without sexual experience in a municipality in the interior of Minas Gerais

Resumo Objetivo avaliar e comparar fatores socioeconômicos, hábitos de vida e saúde de mulheres idosas com e sem vivência sexual. Método Pesquisa quantitativa, analítica, observacional e transversal de base populacional. As participantes foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo CVS - com vivência sexual e grupo SVS - sem vivência sexual, por meio da pergunta: "Você tem vida sexual ativa?". Foram analisadas variáveis socioeconômicas, sono, comorbidades e nível de atividade física através de uma questão do SRQ-20, uma lista baseada no Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho e o IPAQ versão longa, respectivamente. A análise descritiva foi realizada com uso de frequências absolutas e percentuais. O teste U de Mann Whitney, teste qui-quadrado e regressão linear múltipla consideraram nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados a amostra totalizou 494 idosas, 100 delas do grupo CVS. Ter um companheiro fixo (p<0,0001), idade menos avançada (p<0,0001), renda familiar mais alta (p<0,0001), tempo de atividade física vigorosa (p=0,005) e caminhada (p<0,0001) foram fatores significativos e positivos quanto a continuidade da vivência sexual na amostra analisada. Conclusão O estudo identificou diferenças significativas quando comparados os grupos demonstrando a influência dos fatores socioeconômicos e de saúde na expressão da sexualidade de mulheres idosas, destacando os desafios enfrentados. Políticas públicas e ações de educação em saúde são necessárias para garantir direitos, dignidade e promover mudanças positivas na vida dessa população.

Abstract Objective To assess and compare socioeconomic factors, lifestyle habits, and the health of older women with and without sexual experience. Method A quantitative, analytical, observational, and cross-sectional population-based study was conducted. Participants were divided into two groups: the CVS group (with sexual experience) and the SVS group (without sexual experience), based on the question: "Do you have an active sexual life?". Socioeconomic variables, sleep patterns, comorbidities, and the level of physical activity were analyzed using a question from the SRQ-20, a list based on the Work Ability Index, and the long version of the IPAQ, respectively. Descriptive analysis was performed using absolute frequencies and percentages. Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and multiple linear regression were used with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results The total sample consisted of 494 older women, with 100 of them in the CVS group. Having a stable partner (p<0.0001), a younger age (p<0.0001), higher family income (p<0.0001), duration of vigorous physical activity (p=0.005), and walking (p<0.0001) were significant and positive factors for continued sexual experience in the analyzed sample. Conclusion The study identified significant differences when comparing the groups, highlighting the influence of socioeconomic and health factors on the expression of sexuality in older women, thus emphasizing the challenges they face. Public policies and health education initiatives are necessary to safeguard rights, dignity, and promote positive changes in the lives of this population.

Prevalence of and risk factors for dynapenic abdominal obesity in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study.

This article aims to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in older adults in a city in the northern region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 382 community-dwelling older adults in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. Socioeconomic, clinical, and health information were collected using a structured form. DAO was defined as a combination of dynapenia (handgrip strength of < 26 kgf for men and < 16 kgf for women) and abdominal obesity (abdominal circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using chi-squared tests, Student's t-tests, and a Poisson regression. The prevalence of DAO was 10.73%. In the preliminary bivariate analysis, the variables of age range, marital status, number of diseases, functional disability for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, gait speed, and level of physical activity met the established criterion. The final model indicated that only gait speed was a predictor of DAO in older adults. DAO affects nearly 11% of community-dwelling older adults from northern Brazil; gait speed was a predictor of DAO and could be a useful tool for managing and monitoring this population's health.

Prevalence of and risk factors for dynapenic abdominal obesity in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study / Prevalência e fatores de risco para obesidade abdominal dinapênica em idosos residentes na comunidade: um estudo transversal

Abstract This article aims to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in older adults in a city in the northern region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 382 community-dwelling older adults in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. Socioeconomic, clinical, and health information were collected using a structured form. DAO was defined as a combination of dynapenia (handgrip strength of < 26 kgf for men and < 16 kgf for women) and abdominal obesity (abdominal circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using chi-squared tests, Student's t-tests, and a Poisson regression. The prevalence of DAO was 10.73%. In the preliminary bivariate analysis, the variables of age range, marital status, number of diseases, functional disability for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, gait speed, and level of physical activity met the established criterion. The final model indicated that only gait speed was a predictor of DAO in older adults. DAO affects nearly 11% of community-dwelling older adults from northern Brazil; gait speed was a predictor of DAO and could be a useful tool for managing and monitoring this population's health.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados à obesidade abdominal dinapênica (OAD) em idosos de uma cidade da região Norte do Brasil. Estudo transversal realizado com 382 idosos comunitários residentes em Macapá, Amapá, Brasil. As informações socioeconômicas, clínicas e de saúde foram coletadas por meio de um formulário estruturado. A OAD foi definida pela combinação de dinapenia (força de preensão manual < 26 kgf para homens e < 16 kgf para mulheres) e obesidade abdominal (circunferência abdominal > 102 cm para homens e > 88 cm para mulheres). As análises descritivas e inferenciais foram realizadas utilizando os testes qui-quadrado, t de Student e regressão de Poisson. A prevalência de OAD foi de 10,73%. Na análise bivariada preliminar, as variáveis faixa etária, estado conjugal, número de doenças, incapacidade funcional para atividades básicas e instrumentais de vida diária, velocidade da marcha e nível de atividade física atenderam ao critério estabelecido. O modelo final indicou que apenas a velocidade da marcha foi um preditor para a OAD em idosos. A OAD afeta quase 11% dos idosos residentes nessa comunidade do Norte do Brasil; e a velocidade de marcha é um preditor que pode ser uma ferramenta útil para gerenciar e monitorar a saúde desta população.

Isokinetic ankle muscle strength is reduced in recreational runners with medial tibial stress syndrome and is not associated with pain

Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the strength and ratios of the plantar flexors and ankle dorsiflexors in recreational runners with medial tibial stress syndrome and to assess the association between muscle strength and the level of pain in this population. Methods: Two groups (control and medial tibial stress syndrome) of eighteen runners each participated in this cross-sectional study. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to evaluate muscle strength, and for the analysis, the normalized isokinetic peak torque controlled by gender was used. Results: The medial tibial stress syndrome group showed lower normalized isokinetic peak torque in the dorsiflexors in the concentric (p = 0.008) eccentric (p = 0.011) contraction, as well as a lower plantar flexor, normalized isokinetic peak torque in the concentric (p = 0.001) and eccentric (p = 0.02) when compared to the control group. However, there was no difference in the normalized isokinetic peak torque ratio representative of the stance (p = 0.62) and swing phase (p = 0.16), and the level of pain was not correlated with the strength concentric (p = 0.32) and eccentric (p = 0.621) of plantar flexors, nor to the concentric (p = 0.21) and eccentric of dorsiflexors (p = 0.54). Conclusion: Recreational runners with MTSS showed decreased muscle strength in the sagittal plane of the ankle, no correlation with the level of pain, and no changing the ratio between plantar flexors and dorsiflexors.

Short Physical Performance Battery as a Measure of Physical Performance and Mortality Predictor in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

The association between the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score and several adverse health outcomes, including mortality, has been reported in the scientific literature. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of studies on the relationship between SPPB and mortality. The current paper synthesizes the characteristics and main findings of longitudinal studies available in the literature that investigated the role of the SPPB in predicting mortality in older adults. The studies (n = 40) are from North America, South America, Europe, and Asia; the majority (n = 16) were conducted with community-dwelling older adults and reported an association between lower SPPB scores and a higher risk of mortality, and between higher SPPB scores and higher survival. Nevertheless, few studies have analyzed the accuracy of the instrument to predict mortality. The only study that established cut-off points was conducted with older adults discharged from an acute care hospital. Although an SPPB score lower than 10 seems to predict all-cause mortality, further studies showing cut-off points in specific settings and loco-regional specificities are still necessary.

Factors associated with social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults during pandemic times: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Psychosocial aspects need to be discussed in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, no studies have investigated the factors associated with social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, this study analyzed the association of social isolation and loneliness with socioeconomic, clinical, and health characteristics, and Covid-19-related variables, among community-dwelling older adults during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted via a telephone survey of community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. A structured form was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using Pearson's correlation test and a linear regression model. RESULTS: Participants comprised 86 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 71.78+6.98 years. Among them, 9.3% were diagnosed with Covid-19, of whom 3.5% were hospitalized. Most participants reported no difficulty obtaining food, medicines, or attending routine medical appointments during the pandemic. Furthermore, 23.3% (n=20) were socially isolated, and 20.9% (n=18) reported feelings of loneliness. The mean values for fear, anxiety, and obsession were 19.01±7.25, 1.01±1.90, and 2.84±3.28, respectively. A moderate positive correlation was identified between loneliness and the number of diseases, and a weak positive correlation between loneliness and the number of medications and depressive symptoms and risk for sarcopenia. The linear regression model indicated that higher loneliness scores were associated with a greater number of diseases (ß=0.288; p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a probable resilience of the older population to Covid-19, despite the association of loneliness with many diseases in times of a pandemic.

Association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults in the Amazon region: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Existence of an association between sedentary behavior and frailty among older adults has been suggested. However, there is a lack of studies conducted in Brazil, especially in areas of the Amazon region. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out in Macapá, state of Amapá, Brazil. METHODS: Frailty status was assessed using Fried's frailty phenotype, and sedentary behavior was evaluated using two questions concerning time spent in a seated position, from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to verify the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior. RESULTS: The final study sample was made up of 411 older adults with a mean age of 70.14 ± 7.25 years and an average daily duration of sedentary behavior of 2.86 ± 2.53 hours. The prevalence of non-frailty was 28.7%, prevalence of pre-frailty was 58.4% and prevalence of frailty was 12.9%. The adjusted analysis showed that there were independent associations between sedentary behavior and pre-frailty (odds ratio, OR = 1.18; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.34) and between sedentary behavior and frailty (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02-1.40). CONCLUSION: Frailty and pre-frailty status were associated with sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults.

Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score as a discriminator of dynapenic abdominal obesity among community-dwelling older adults.

The aim of this study is to verify the utility of using physical performance to discriminate the presence of dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in older adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 382 community-dwelling older adults. DAO was identified when dynapenia (cut-off points of <26 kilogram-force [kgf] for men and <16 kgf for women) was detected together with abdominal obesity (waist circumference >102 cm for men and >88 cm for women). Physical performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). SPPB scores and DAO were inversely associated even after adjustment (OR: 0.69; 95%CI: 0.58-0.83). Cut-off points of ≤9 for SPPB scores were the most efficient for discriminating the presence of DAO in both men (AUC= 0.836; 95%CI: 0.76-0.89; sensitivity: 90.91% and specificity: 60.33%) and women (AUC= 0.677; 95%CI: 0.62-0.73; sensitivity: 73.33% and specificity: 40.91%). Physical performance assessed with SPPB can discriminate DAO and be useful for the timely identification and management of this condition in older adults.

Association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults in the Amazon region: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Existence of an association between sedentary behavior and frailty among older adults has been suggested. However, there is a lack of studies conducted in Brazil, especially in areas of the Amazon region. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out in Macapá, state of Amapá, Brazil. METHODS: Frailty status was assessed using Fried's frailty phenotype, and sedentary behavior was evaluated using two questions concerning time spent in a seated position, from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to verify the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior. RESULTS: The final study sample was made up of 411 older adults with a mean age of 70.14 ± 7.25 years and an average daily duration of sedentary behavior of 2.86 ± 2.53 hours. The prevalence of non-frailty was 28.7%, prevalence of pre-frailty was 58.4% and prevalence of frailty was 12.9%. The adjusted analysis showed that there were independent associations between sedentary behavior and pre-frailty (odds ratio, OR = 1.18; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.34) and between sedentary behavior and frailty (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02-1.40). CONCLUSION: Frailty and pre-frailty status were associated with sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults.

Associação entre qualificação profissional de fisioterapeutas e a percepção sobre o tratamento de osteoartrite de joelho: um estudo transversal / Association between professional qualification of physical therapists and perception of knee osteoarthritis treatment: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUÇÃO: A Osteoartrite (OA) é a forma mais prevalente de artrite e requer intervenção terapêutica adequada. A Fisioterapia desempenha um importante papel no manejo desta doença. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre as crenças e intervenções de fisioterapeutas que tratam OA no Brasil e fatores relacionados às decisões clínicas. OBJETIVO: Determinar se existe associação entre a qualificação profissional de fisioterapeutas na região Norte do Brasil e a percepção de eficiência ou ineficiência de intervenções terapêuticas para OA de joelho. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Uma pesquisa transversal online foi realizada com fisioterapeutas de cinco estados do Norte do Brasil e a percepção sobre 20 intervenções foi avaliada por meio de um caso hipotético de OA de joelho. O teste qui-quadrado e regressão logística binária com nível de significância de 5% foram utilizados para a análise estatística. RESULTADOS: 370 profissionais com média de idade de 32,16 ± 6,89 responderam a pesquisa. Houve associação significativa entre qualificação e percepção de eficiência das intervenções. Fisioterapeutas apenas graduados apresentaram menos chances de reconhecer ultrassom, ondas curtas, neuroestimulação elétrica transcutânea e estimulação elétrica, crioterapia, calor, fortalecimento muscular, kinesio taping e repouso como intervenções ineficazes. O mesmo ocorreu com as intervenções ultrassom, fortalecimento muscular e kinesio taping para especialistas. CONCLUSÃO: O menor grau acadêmico leva à uma chance menor de perceber como pouco eficientes ou ineficientes algumas intervenções não recomendadas para OA de joelho.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, which requires appropriate therapeutic intervention. Physical therapy plays a central role in its management. However, little is known about the beliefs and interventions of physical therapists who treat OA in Brazil and factors related to clinical decisions. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an association between the professional qualification of physical therapists in the North Region of Brazil and their perception of efficiency or inefficiency of therapeutic interventions for knee OA. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with physical therapists from five states in northern Brazil, and their perception about 20 interventions was assessed through a hypothetical case of knee OA. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: 370 professionals with a mean age of 32.16 ±6.89 responded to the survey. There was a significant association between qualification and perceived efficiency of interventions. Graduated physiotherapists were less likely to recognize ultrasound, short waves, transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation and electrical stimulation, cryotherapy, heat, muscle strengthening, kinesio taping, and rest as ineffective interventions. The same occurred for ultrasound, muscle strengthening, and kinesiology tape for specialists. CONCLUSION: The lower academic degree leads to a lower chance to perceive as poorly efficient or inefficient some not recommended interventions for knee OA.

The basis of information to guide clinical decision-making in knee osteoarthritis management: A survey with Brazilian physical therapists.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Several health information sources are available to assist physical therapists in the clinical decision-making process, with a notable increase in the importance of using evidence-based practice (EBP). The aim of this study is to investigate the health information sources most used by Brazilian physical therapists to guide their clinical decision making for knee osteoarthritis (OA) management, use of Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), knowledge about the existence of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), and associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using an electronic survey was conducted. Physical therapists registered in a Regional Physical Therapy Council in Brazil were invited to participate. Sociodemographic data, professional training, health information sources, frequency of use of PEDro, and knowledge about CPGs were collected. Descriptive analysis of the data was performed, and the chi square test and multinomial and binary logistic regression were used to verify association between the variables. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 370 professionals. The three health information sources most used by Brazilian physical therapists were clinical experience, courses, and books. Among these professionals, only 12.1% use PEDro frequently, and 60.5% know that CPGs for knee OA management exist. Level of education was associated with PEDro use and knowledge about the existence of CPGs (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicated a significant deficiency in engagement with research evidence by Brazilian physical therapists to guide their clinical decision making for knee OA. Further investigations on educational needs and the development of new strategies to narrow the gap between research evidence and clinical practice should be performed.

Factors associated with social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults during pandemic times: a cross-sectional study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Psychosocial aspects need to be discussed in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, no studies have investigated the factors associated with social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, this study analyzed the association of social isolation and loneliness with socioeconomic, clinical, and health characteristics, and Covid-19-related variables, among community-dwelling older adults during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted via a telephone survey of community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. A structured form was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using Pearson's correlation test and a linear regression model. RESULTS: Participants comprised 86 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 71.78+6.98 years. Among them, 9.3% were diagnosed with Covid-19, of whom 3.5% were hospitalized. Most participants reported no difficulty obtaining food, medicines, or attending routine medical appointments during the pandemic. Furthermore, 23.3% (n=20) were socially isolated, and 20.9% (n=18) reported feelings of loneliness. The mean values for fear, anxiety, and obsession were 19.01±7.25, 1.01±1.90, and 2.84±3.28, respectively. A moderate positive correlation was identified between loneliness and the number of diseases, and a weak positive correlation between loneliness and the number of medications and depressive symptoms and risk for sarcopenia. The linear regression model indicated that higher loneliness scores were associated with a greater number of diseases (β=0.288; p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a probable resilience of the older population to Covid-19, despite the association of loneliness with many diseases in times of a pandemic.

Associação entre sarcopenia e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em idosos comunitários / Relación entre sarcopenia y calidad de vida respecto a la salud de adultos mayores de una comunidad / Association between sarcopenia and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a qualidade de vida entre idosos sarcopênicos e não sarcopênicos e verificar a associação entre sarcopenia e qualidade de vida em idosos residentes na comunidade. Métodos Estudo transversal conduzido com idosos residentes na comunidade (n = 378) de Macapá, Amapá, Brasil. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada por meio do Short Form (36) Health Survey. O algoritmo proposto pelo Grupo de Trabalho Europeu sobre Sarcopenia em Pessoas Idosas (EWGSOP) foi usado para avaliar a sarcopenia. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, inferenciais e modelo de regressão linear. Resultados Os idosos sarcopênicos apresentaram escores de qualidade de vida significativamente mais baixos nos domínios função física, dor corporal, estado geral de saúde e função social. Após o ajuste, a sarcopenia associou-se inversamente ao funcionamento físico (β = -0,125; p = 0,010) e ao estado geral de saúde (β = -0,112; p = 0,028). Conclusão Os resultados deste estudo sugerem um provável declínio na qualidade de vida em idosos sarcopênicos, principalmente nos domínios funcionamento físico e estado geral de saúde.

Resumen Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la calidad de vida entre adultos mayores con sarcopenia y sin sarcopenia y verificar la relación entre sarcopenia y calidad de vida en adultos mayores residentes de la comunidad. Métodos Estudio transversal llevado a cabo con adultos mayores residentes de la comunidad (n = 378) de Macapá, estado de Amapá, Brasil. La calidad de vida fue evaluada mediante el Short Form (36) Health Survey. El algoritmo propuesto por el Grupo Europeo de Trabajo sobre la Sarcopenia en Personas de Edad Avanzada (EWGSOP) fue utilizado para evaluar la sarcopenia. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, inferenciales y modelo de regresión lineal. Resultados Los adultos mayores con sarcopenia presentaron una puntuación de calidad de vida significativamente más baja en los dominios función física, dolor corporal, estado general de salud y función social. Luego del ajuste, la sarcopenia se relacionó inversamente con el funcionamiento físico (β = -0,125; p = 0,010) y con el estado general de salud (β = -0,112; p = 0,028). Conclusión Los resultados de este estudio sugieren un probable deterioro en la calidad de vida de adultos mayores con sarcopenia, principalmente en los dominios funcionamiento físico y estado general de salud.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare quality of life between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults and to verify the association of sarcopenia and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in community-dwelling older adults (n = 378) from Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form (36) Health Survey. The algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) was used to assess sarcopenia. Descriptive, inferential analyses and linear regression model were performed. Results Sarcopenic older adults presented significantly lower quality of life scores in the domains of physical functioning, bodily pain, general health status, and social functioning. After adjustment, sarcopenia was inversely associated with physical functioning (β = -0.125; p = 0.010) and general health status (β = -0.112; p = 0.028). Conclusion The results of this study suggest a probable decline in the quality of life in sarcopenic older adults, especially in the physical functioning and general health status domains.

Anthropometric indicators as a discriminator of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults of the Amazon region: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome associated with negative health outcomes and the use of viable alternative screening tools may help in the diagnosis of this condition. This study aimed to analyze the association of sarcopenia with anthropometric indicators among community-dwelling older adults and to identify cut-off points for such indicators as a discriminant criterion for predicting sarcopenia. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on community-dwelling older adults ≥60 years old (n = 411) of both sexes from Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. Socioeconomic, clinical and anthropometric data (arm circumference - AC, waist circumference - WC, calf circumference - CC and body mass index - BMI) were collected using a structured form. Sarcopenia was identified according to the EWGSOP 2 consensus. The association between anthropometric indicators and sarcopenia was performed using logistic regression and cut-off points established from the ROC Curve. Statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Adjusted analysis indicated an independent and inverse association between sarcopenia and the anthropometric indicators: AC (odds ratio, OR: 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI: 0.53-0.76), CC (OR: 0.73; 95%CI: 0.62-0.85), WC (OR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.90-0.97) and BMI (OR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.53-0.76). The following cut-off points for older men and women represented the discriminant criterion for the presence of sarcopenia: WC (≤97 and ≤ 86 cm), CC (≤33 and ≤ 31 cm), AC (≤27 cm) and BMI (≤24.8 kg/m2 and ≤ 24.5 kg/m2) (area under the ROC curve superior to 0.70). BMI and AC were the indicators with the highest ability to discriminate older adults of both sexes with sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: An increase of one unit of the indicators can reduce the probability of occurrence of sarcopenia. All indicators were considered to discriminate the occurrence of sarcopenia, with emphasis on BMI and AC, and could be used to screen for this condition among community-dwelling older adults.

Evidence of association between the use of drugs and community-dwelling older people frailty: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The scientific literature has shown that an association between polypharmacy and frailty exists. However, few studies have also considered drug interactions and the use of potentially inappropriate medications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the use of drugs and frailty among community-dwelling older people. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out among 580 older people in Uberaba (MG). METHODS: Data were collected at these older people's homes using instruments validated in Brazil. Descriptive, bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Most of these individuals were classified as pre-frail (55.7%), while 13.1% were frail. It was found that 31.7% of them presented polypharmacy, 41.7% had drug interactions and 43.8% were using potentially inappropriate medications. In the initial model, polypharmacy (odds ratio, OR = 1.91; confidence interval, CI = 1.27-2.86) and use of potentially inappropriate medications (OR = 2.45; CI = 1.68-3.57) increased the chance that these older people would be pre-frail or frail. In the final adjusted model, use of potentially inappropriate drugs remained associated with the outcome (OR = 2.26; CI = 1.43-3.57). CONCLUSION: Use of potentially inappropriate medications was the independent variable that explained the occurrence of frailty in a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults.

Evidence of association between the use of drugs and community-dwelling older people frailty: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The scientific literature has shown that an association between polypharmacy and frailty exists. However, few studies have also considered drug interactions and the use of potentially inappropriate medications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the use of drugs and frailty among community-dwelling older people. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out among 580 older people in Uberaba (MG). METHODS: Data were collected at these older people's homes using instruments validated in Brazil. Descriptive, bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Most of these individuals were classified as pre-frail (55.7%), while 13.1% were frail. It was found that 31.7% of them presented polypharmacy, 41.7% had drug interactions and 43.8% were using potentially inappropriate medications. In the initial model, polypharmacy (odds ratio, OR = 1.91; confidence interval, CI = 1.27-2.86) and use of potentially inappropriate medications (OR = 2.45; CI = 1.68-3.57) increased the chance that these older people would be pre-frail or frail. In the final adjusted model, use of potentially inappropriate drugs remained associated with the outcome (OR = 2.26; CI = 1.43-3.57). CONCLUSION: Use of potentially inappropriate medications was the independent variable that explained the occurrence of frailty in a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults.