Association between isokinetic strength measures and functional performance in community-dwelling older adults / Asociación entre las medidas de fuerza isocinética y el rendimiento funcional en personas mayores en la comunidad / Associação entre medidas de força isocinética e desempenho funcional em pessoas idosas da comunidade

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown an association between lower limb muscle strength and functional performance, but a dose-response relationship between the strength of each lower limb muscle group and performance in daily life activities in older adults has not been well established. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between isokinetic muscle strength of all eight major lower limb muscle groups and functional performance in community-dwelling older adults. The muscle strength of the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors of the ankle, flexors and extensors of the knee, and flexors, extensors, adductors, and abductors of the hip were evaluated using a Biodex System 4 Pro® isokinetic dynamometer. Functional performance was evaluated in 109 participants using the five-times sit-to-stand test (STS) and 4-meter usual walking speed (UWS). The multiple linear regression analyses showed that the hip abductors strength predicted 31.3% of the variability for UWS (p=0.011), and the knee extensors strength (p=0.015) predicted 31.6% of the variability for the STS. We conclude that hip abductors and knee extensors could be the key muscle groups involved in sit to stand and walking speed performance in older adults.

RESUMEN Estudios previos ya demostraron la asociación entre la fuerza muscular de los miembros inferiores y el rendimiento funcional, sin embargo, no está bien establecida la contribución de los principales músculos de los miembros inferiores sobre el rendimiento de las personas mayores en las actividades diarias. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre la fuerza muscular isocinética de los ocho principales grupos musculares de los miembros inferiores y el rendimiento funcional en personas mayores que viven en la comunidad. La fuerza muscular de los plantiflexores y dorsiflexores del tobillo, los flexores y extensores de la rodilla y los flexores, extensores, aductores y abductores de la cadera se evaluaron por medio del dinamómetro isocinético Biodex System 4 Pro®. El rendimiento funcional de 109 participantes se evaluó mediante el test de sentarse y pararse cinco veces (STS) y la velocidad de marcha habitual de 4 metros. Los análisis de regresión lineal múltiple mostraron que la fuerza de los abductores de la cadera predijo el 31,3% de la variabilidad para la velocidad de marcha habitual (p=0,011); y la fuerza de los extensores de la rodilla (p=0,015), el 31,6% de variabilidad para STS. Se concluyó que los abductores de la cadera y los extensores de la rodilla pueden ser los principales grupos musculares involucrados en el rendimiento de los adultos mayores para sentarse, pararse y caminar.

RESUMO Estudos anteriores já demonstraram a associação entre força muscular de membros inferiores e desempenho funcional, mas a contribuição dos principais músculos dos membros inferiores para o desempenho de pessoas idosas nas atividades cotidianas não foi bem estabelecida. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre a força muscular isocinética dos oito principais grupos musculares dos membros inferiores e o desempenho funcional em pessoas idosas da comunidade. A força muscular dos plantiflexores e dorsiflexores do tornozelo, flexores e extensores do joelho e flexores, extensores, adutores e abdutores do quadril foi avaliada utilizando um dinamômetro isocinético Biodex System 4 Pro®. O desempenho funcional de 109 participantes foi avaliado usando o teste de sentar e levantar cinco vezes (TSL) e de velocidade de marcha habitual de 4 metros (VMH). As análises de regressão linear múltipla mostraram que a força dos abdutores do quadril previu 31,3% da variabilidade para a VMH (p=0,011), e a força dos extensores do joelho (p=0,015) 31,6% da variabilidade para o TSL. Concluímos que os abdutores do quadril e os extensores do joelho podem ser os principais grupos musculares envolvidos no desempenho de pessoas idosas para sentar-levantar e caminhar.

Effect of hippotherapy on walking performance and gait parameters in people with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Walking dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of an 8-week hippotherapy intervention on walking performance and spatiotemporal gait parameters in people with relapsing-remitting MS; and to examine whether the effects of hippotherapy on walking performance are mediated by changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters. METHODS: Participants were assigned into a hippotherapy intervention group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 16). The intervention included 16 sessions of 30-minutes of hippotherapy conducted twice a week. Participants underwent the 25-foot walk test (T25FW) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT), as primary outcomes, and spatiotemporal gait evaluation using GaitRite system, as secondary outcomes, before and after intervention. The data were examined using mixed model ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc. Mediation analysis was conducted as per Baron and Kenny's criteria. RESULTS: Compared with control, the intervention group significantly increased 6MWT distance (+9.70%, p<0.001) and decreased T25FW time (-15.86%, p<0.001).Regarding spatiotemporal gait parameters, the intervention group exhibited significantly greater improvements in most variables (Δ% from 3.66 and 41.43%; all p<0.005) than control. Only balance time (p = 0.043), stance time (p = 0.031), and absolute (p = 0.004) and relative (p = 0.017) double support time were identified as significant mediators of the effects of hippotherapy on walking performance evaluated by T25FW. There was no significant mediator for 6MWT (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Hippotherapy improved walking performance and spatiotemporal gait parameters in people with relapsing-remitting MS, and changes in walking performance, evaluated by T25FW, were partially driven by reduction in stance time and double support time and increase in balance time. Hippotherapy may be a useful complimentary treatment approach for improving walking in people with MS.

Stages of sarcopenia, bone mineral density, and the prevalence of osteoporosis in older women.

A better understanding of the relationship between osteoporosis and sarcopenia may help to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. In the present study, the association between different stages of sarcopenia, BMD, and osteoporosis was examined. The salient findings indicate that a dose-response relationship exists between sarcopenia stages and bone-related phenotypes. PURPOSE: To assess the association between sarcopenia stages, bone mineral density (BMD), and the prevalence of osteoporosis in older women. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-four women (68.3 ± 6.3 years) underwent body composition and BMD measurements using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Quadriceps isokinetic torque was evaluated, and the timed up-and-go test was conducted as a measure of function. Sarcopenia stages were classified according to European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP): nonsarcopenia, presarcopenia, sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia. Osteoporosis was defined as BMD value (hip or spine) 2.5 standard deviations below a young-adult reference population. Between-group differences were examined using ANOVA for continuous variables and chi-squared for categorical variables. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between sarcopenia stages and osteoporosis. RESULTS: Rates of osteoporosis were 15.8%, 19.2%, 35.3%, and 46.2% for nonsarcopenia, presarcopenia, sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia, respectively (P = 0.002). Whole-body and femoral neck BMD values were significantly lower among all sarcopenia stages when compared to nonsarcopenia (all P values < 0.05, η2p 0.113 to 0.109). The severe sarcopenia group also showed significantly lower lumbar spine BMD values and T-scores (both P values < 0.05; η2p 0.035 and 0.037, respectively). When clustered, sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia exhibited lower BMD values for all sites (all P values < 0.01), and presented a significantly higher risk for osteoporosis (odds ratio 3.445; 95% CI 1.521-7.844). CONCLUSION: The observed results provide support for the concept that a dose-response relationship exists between sarcopenia stages, BMD, and the presence of osteoporosis. These findings strengthen the clinical significance of the EWGSOP sarcopenia definition and indicate that severe sarcopenia should be viewed with attention by healthcare professionals.

A reference equation for normal standards for knee extensor isokinetic strength in Brazilian older women.

BACKGROUND: Knee extensor strength assessment has been especially emphasized in older people, but lack of reference values limits its usefulness in geriatric evaluation. AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop a reference equation for knee extensor isokinetic strength standards in older women. METHODS: Knee extensor isokinetic tests at 60°/s were performed in 390 Brazilian older women aged 60-84 years (67.38 ± 5.56 years) and in a separate validation sample of 110 women (67.94 ± 6.13 years). A regression equation for peak torque (PT) was derived and compared to commonly used formulas: the equations of Neder and Gross. Age, weight and height were the only significant predictors (multiple R = 0.55; R2 = 0.30; p < 0.001). The proposed equation was examined in the independent sample. Percent from predicted values was calculated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed. RESULTS: Both the Neder and Gross equations significantly underestimated predicted PT values (both p < 0.001); mean bias were 6.79 and 6.75, respectively. The proposed equation [PT = 39.72 - (1.24 × age) + (0.44 × weight) + (69.70 × height)] was matched with the independent sample, with a percent predicted isokinetic strength of approximately 95%, a mean bias approximately 40% lower 4.23 than the other equations, and stable across all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Available equations for knee extensor isokinetic strength are not adequate for older women. The equation developed in the present study provided considerably lower average error and thus with more suitable reference values.

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

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

Normative Values of Knee Extensor Isokinetic Strength for Older Women and Implications for Physical Function.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lower-limb strength is required for everyday activities and thus its evaluation has been especially emphasized in older adults. Isokinetic testing is a criterion standard method to assess muscle strength; however, lack of reference values limits its usefulness in geriatric evaluation and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to develop reference values of knee extensor isokinetic strength for older women. As a secondary aim, functional tests were performed for clinical significance validation. METHODS: A total of 453 older women aged 60 to 84 years participated in this study. Knee extensor isokinetic strength was measured using the Biodex System dynamometer at 60° per second. The Timed Up and Go test and the 5 times Sit-to-Stand test were used for functional performance evaluation. Participants were categorized into age groups of 5 years range. The 20th, 40th, 60th, and 80th percentiles were used for stratification purposes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: As expected, mean strength values significantly decreased with advancing age groups. Isokinetic percentile groups are presented according to age. Individuals in the lower percentile strata showed significantly reduced performance in both the Timed Up and Go and 5 times Sit-to-Stand tests (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study provides normative values of isokinetic knee extensor strength in older women. The association between lower isokinetic knee extensor strength strata and reduced functional capacity supports the potential application of these reference values in clinical and research settings. Future studies should ascertain these findings in different female populations.

Body fat, but not muscle quality, is related to perceived fatigue in young-adult active and inactive women / Gordura corporal, mas não a qualidade muscular, é relacionada a fadiga percebida em mulheres adultas jovens ativas e inativas

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of perceived fatigue with body composition and muscle quality (strength, thickness and specific torque) in young adult women. Fifty-one healthy women (31.98 ± 6.88 years) were assessed regarding perceived fatigue, body composition, knee extensors muscle strength, muscle thickness, and muscle quality. The short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire was applied to classify subjects as active or inactive. To examine the relationship between perceived fatigue and dependent variables, the Pearson's correlation was performed. Perceived fatigue was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with body weight (r = 0.469), body mass index (r = 0.369), fat mass (r = 0.469), percent body fat (r = 0.396), and relative peak torque (r = -0.378). Additionally, inactive women had significantly greater (p < 0.05) body weight, body mass index, fat mass, percent body fat, and perceived fatigue than active women. Perceived fatigue is related to body weight and fat mass, but not to muscle strength or muscle quality. Moreover, physically active women showed lower perceived fatigue, body weight, and body fat compared to physically inactive women. These results suggest that body fat may play a role in perceived fatigue and physical activity could attenuate such symptom.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação da fadiga percebida com a composição corporal e a qualidade muscular (força, espessura e torque específico) em mulheres adultas jovens. Cinquenta e uma mulheres foram avaliadas quanto a fadiga percebida, a composição corporal, a força muscular de extensão de joelho, a espessura muscular e a qualidade muscular. A versão curta do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física foi aplicada para classificar as voluntárias como ativas ou inativas.Para examinar a relação entre a fadiga percebida e as variáveis dependentes, a correlação de Pearson foi executada. A fadiga percebida apresentou relação significativa (p < 0,05) com o peso corporal (r = 0,469), IMC (r = 0,369), massa gorda (r = 0,469), percentual de gordura (r = 0,396) e pico de torque relativo (r = -0,378). Adicionalmente, mulheres inativas apresentaram maior (p < 0,05) peso corporal, índice de massa corporal, massa gorda, percentual de gordura e fadiga percebida, comparadas com mulheres ativas. A fadiga percebida se relaciona com o peso corporal e com a gordura corporal, mas não com a força muscular ou com a qualidade muscular. Além disso, mulheres fisicamente ativas tem uma menor fadiga percebida, peso corporal e gordura corporal do que mulheres fisicamente inativas. Esses resultados sugerem que a gordura corporal exerce um papel importante na fadiga percebida e que a atividade física pode atenuar esse sintoma.

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

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

The relationship between muscle quality and incidence of falls in older community-dwelling women: An 18-month follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Important components that might mediate the relationship between aging and falls are reduced muscle strength and mass. Although muscle-related phenotypes have been linked to falls in older people, the role of muscle quality has yet to be examined. AIM: To investigate the relationship between muscle quality and incidence of falls over an 18-month follow-up in older community-dwelling women. METHODS: A total of 167 women (68.1 ±â€¯6.2 years) underwent quadriceps isometric peak torque and thigh-muscle thickness assessments using isokinetic dynamometer and ultrasound, respectively. Muscle quality was considered as the ratio between maximal strength and muscle thickness. Participants were tracked by phone calls for ascertainment of falls during the follow-up period. Cox proportional regressions and X2 tests were performed, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 139 volunteers were successful tracked over the follow-up period. The overall incidence of fall was 23.4% (95% CI: 16.5-31.0). Rate of fallers among individuals with low-muscle quality (57.7%) was higher than in those with normal muscle quality (15.3%) (X2 = 21.132; P < 0.001). The proportion of multiple fallers was also significantly higher (X2 = 11.029; P < 0.001) among volunteers with low-muscle quality when compared to those with normal muscle quality (14.8% and 3.6%, respectively). The presence of low-muscle quality was associated with a significantly greater risk of falls over the follow-up (hazard ratio: 4.619; 95% CI: 2.302-9.269). CONCLUSION: Low-muscle quality is associated with a higher incidence of falls in older women. These findings provide support for the concept that muscle quality is a clinically meaningful assessment among older people.

Severity of sarcopenia is associated with postural balance and risk of falls in community-dwelling older women.

Background/Study context: Falls represent the leading cause of accidental deaths in the elderly. Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome defined as the loss of muscle mass and strength. However, the association between falls and sarcopenia is still unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between different stages of sarcopenia and postural balance, risk of falls, and fear of falling in community-dwelling older women. METHODS: A total of 196 women (68.6 ± 6.5 years) underwent body composition (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry), muscle strength (isokinetic), and functional (Timed Up-and-Go) assessments. Sarcopenia was classified according to European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Center of pressure (CoP) sway, risk, and fear of falling were assessed through force platform, QuickScreen, and Falls Efficacy Scale, respectively. ANOVA models and chi-squared were used to compare groups. RESULTS: Severe sarcopenic subjects presented higher risk of falling when compared to the other stages (p < 0.01). Regarding CoP sway, both mean speed and mediolateral range were significantly higher in severe sarcopenia when compared to both nonsarcopenia and presarcopenia (p < 0.05). Fear of falling was higher in all sarcopenia stages when compared to nonsarcopenic individuals (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia negatively affects balance, and both risk and fear of falling in community-dwelling older women. Moreover, this study provides evidence that sarcopenia severity is further associated to reduced balance and imposes an even greater risk of falls in the elderly.

Childhood obesity is associated with altered plantar pressure distribution during running.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with higher foot loading during walking. The impact of this condition on running, however, has yet to be elucidated. RESEARCH QUESTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between childhood obesity and plantar pressure distribution during running. METHODS: Forty-two volunteers aged 5-10 years took part in this cross-sectional study. Body mass index (BMI) was assessed for obesity classification. Peak plantar pressure was evaluated during running at self-selected speed using an Emed AT-4 pressure platform. RESULTS AND SIGNIFICANCE: BMI was correlated to peak pressure at whole foot (r = 0.340; p = .027), midfoot (r = 0.550; p < .001) and forefoot (r = 0.454; p = .003). Regarding other baropodometric parameters, obese children generated more forces during running compared to their leaner counterparts (all p < .050), except at the hallux. Also, obese children had a larger contact area under all the foot regions (all p < .050). These findings provide evidence that childhood obesity is associated with increased plantar pressure during running at self-selected speeds and support the concept that obese children are at higher risk of developing foot discomfort and pain.

Association between obesity, risk of falls and fear of falling in older women / Associação entre obesidade, risco de quedas e medo de cair em mulheres idosas

Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between obesity, risk of falls and fear of falling in older women. Two hundred and twenty-six volunteers (68.05 ± 6.22 years, 68.06 ± 11.79 kg, 1.56 ± 0.06 m) were classified as normal weight, overweight or obese, according to the body mass index. Risk of falls and fear of falling were evaluated using QuickScreen Clinical Falls Risk Assessment and Falls Efficiency Scale - International (FES-I), respectively. Comparisons between groups were conducted using Chi-square and ANOVA One-way tests. The significance level was set at p< 0.05. Obesity was associated with greater probability of falls (p< 0.001), which may be partly explained by decreased muscle strength (p< 0.001) and reaction time (p< 0.001). In addition, significant differences between groups was observed in FES-I score (p< 0.01), with obese women showing more pronounced fear of falling (30.10 ± 8.4) than normal weigh (25. 33 ± 7.11, p< 0.01) and overweight subjects (26.97 ± 7.05, p< 0.05). These findings corroborate previous evidence pointing obesity as a major risk factor for falls. Therefore, health professionals dealing with fall prevention should consider the effects of overweight.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi verificar a associação entre obesidade, risco de quedas e medo de cair em mulheres idosas. Duzentas e vinte e seis voluntárias (68,05 ± 6,22 anos; 68,06 ± 11,79 kg; 1,56 ± 0,06 m) foram classificadas em eutróficas, sobrepesadas ou obesas, de acordo com o índice de massa corporal. O risco de quedas e o medo de cair foram mensurados por meio do QuickScreen Clinical Falls Risk Assessment e da Escala de Eficácia de Quedas - Internacional (FES-I), respectivamente. Para comparação entre grupos, empregaram-se os testes Qui-quadrado e ANOVA One-way. O nível de significância adotado foi de p< 0,05. A obesidade foi associada a uma probabilidade de quedas aumentada (p< 0,001), o que pode ser parcialmente explicado pela diminuição da força muscular (p< 0,001) e do tempo de reação (p< 0,001). Adicionalmente, observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos no escore da FES-I (p< 0,01), sendo que as idosas obesas exibiram um medo de cair mais acentuado (30,10 ± 8,4) que as eutróficas (25,33 ± 7,11; p< 0,01) e as sobrepesadas (26,97 ± 7,05; p< 0,05). Esses achados se agregam a evidências prévias que apontam a obesidade como um importante fator de risco para quedas em idosos. Portanto, profissionais da saúde devem considerar os efeitos do excesso de peso ao lidar com prevenção de quedas.

Obesity is Associated With Altered Plantar Pressure Distribution in Older Women.

Increased plantar pressure has been found to be related with greater risk of falling. Although there is evidence suggesting that obesity is linked to foot disorders, the association between obesity and plantar pressure of older adults has been poorly investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between obesity and plantar pressure distribution and to explore its relationship with body fat distribution. Two hundred and eleven older women took part in this cross-sectional study. Body mass index was taken for obesity classification. Whole body, android, and gynoid fat percentage was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Peak plantar pressure was evaluated during gait using an Emed AT-4 pressure platform. Obese volunteers generated greater peak pressure at midfoot (187.26 kPa) compared to both normal weight (128.52 kPa, p < .001) and overweight (165.74 kPa, p < .001). Peak plantar pressure at midfoot was also greater in overweight compared to normal weight (p < .001). At forefoot, peak pressure was higher in the obese (498.15 kPa) compared to normal weight volunteers (420.41 kPa, p = .007). Additionally, whole body, android, and gynoid fat percentage were significantly associated with peak pressure at midfoot and forefoot. Therefore, clinicians dealing with falls should consider the effect of increased body weight on plantar pressure.

Comparisons between body adiposity indexes and cutoff values in the prediction of functional disability in older women / Comparações entre índices de adiposidade corporal e pontos de corte na predição de incapacidade funcional em mulheres idosas

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare body adiposity indexes and to identify cutoff values in the prediction of disability in older women. Eighty-seven volunteers (67.27±6.45 years) underwent body composition assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and had five anthropometric indexes measured (Waist Circumference, WC; Waist-to-Height Ratio, WHtR; Body Mass Index, BMI; Body Adiposity Index, BAI; and conicity index). Functionality was assessed from three Senior Fitness Test Battery protocols: 30-second chair stand, 8-foot up-and-go, and 6-minute walk. Pearson’s correlation was conducted to identify the relationship between body adiposity indexes and functionality results. Cutoff values to predict disability were obtained from ROC curves and odds ratio were calculated for the same outcome. Disability prevalence was 36.8%. Scores in the 30-second chair stand, 8-foot up-and-go, and 6-minute walk tests showed stronger associations with WC (r=-0.345; p<0.01), WHtR (r=-0.417; p<0.01) and BAI (r=0.296; p<0.01), respectively. The cutoff values identified were 89.5cm, 39.2%, 26.93kg/m2, 34.6%, 0.51cm and 1.23 for WC, DXA-derived body fat percentage, BMI, BAI, WHtR and conicity index, respectively. WC showed greater odds ratio for disability outcome (odds ratio: 3.16; CI: 1.3–7.8). WC showed strong relationship with functional tests and its cutoff values exhibited predicting skill for disability in older women.

Resumo Objetivou-se comparar índices de adiposidade corporal e identificar pontos de corte na predição de incapacidade funcional em mulheres idosas. Oitenta e sete voluntárias (67,27±6,45 anos) foram submetidas à avaliação de composição corporal através de Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), e tiveram cinco índices antropométricos mensurados (perímetro de cintura, PC; relação cintura estatura, RCE; índice de massa corporal, IMC; índice da adiposidade corporal, IAC; e índice de conicidade). A funcionalidade foi avaliada a partir de três protocolos da Senior Fitness Test Battery: sentar e levantar em 30 segundos; 8-foot up-and-go; e caminhada de seis minutos. A correlação de Pearson foi conduzida para identificar o relacionamento entre as medidas de adiposidade corporal e os resultados de funcionalidade. Foram obtidos pontos de corte para incapacidade funcional a partir de curvas ROC, e o odds ratio foi calculado para o mesmo desfecho. A prevalência de incapacidade funcional foi de 36,8%. Os escores dos testes sentar e levantar em 30 segundos, caminhada de seis minutos e 8-foot up-and-goapresentaram associações mais consistentes para PC (r=-0,345; p<0,01), RCE (r=-0,417; p<0,01) e IAC (r=0,296; p<0,01), respectivamente. Os pontos de corte identificados foram 89,5cm, 39,2%, 26,93kg/m2, 34,6%, 0,51cm e 1,23, para PC, percentual de gordura medido pelo DXA, IMC, IAC, RCE e índice de conicidade, respectivamente. O PC apresentou maior razão de chances para incapacidade funcional (odds ratio:3,16; IC:1,3–7,8). O PC apresentou associação mais consistente com os testes funcionais e seus valores de corte exibiram habilidade preditora para incapacidade em mulheres idosas.