Performance analysis of women over 55 years on abdominaltests: impact of anthropometry and flexibility

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of anthropometric variables and flexibility on the performance of women aged 55+ years on abdominal test protocols. The sample was composed by 20 physically active volunteers, aged 55 years (median 61), who were participants in gymnastic activities program. Each volunteer performed two abdominal tests: partial trunk flexion with a 7.6 cm sliding of the hands (P1) and partial flexion of the trunk with the hands on the thighs (P2), both executed with the feet resting on the ground. For analysis, the number of correct executions (final position) was considered in each test, as recommended by the authors. Measurements of body mass, flexibility, height, waist and hip perimeters, subjective perception of exertion, and calculations of body mass index and waist-hip ratio were performed. The perception of abdominal effort, and discomfort or pain in the cervical and lumbar region were also evaluated. The results showed that there were no statistically significant associations between the analyzed indicators (Age: P1: rs = -0.024, p = 0.916; P2: rs = -0.194, p = 0.407; BMI: P1: rs =-0.064, p = 0.792; P2: rs = -0.235, p= 0.327; Waist Circumference: P1: rs = -0.143, p = 0.563; P2: rs = 0.027, p = 0.908; Flexibility: r s= -0.327, p = 0.169; P2: rs = 0.0009, p = 0.991; Hip waist ratio: P1: rs = -0.209, p = 0.371; P2: rs = 0.217, p = 0.353) and the performance on the tests. In addition, 35% of the participants made valid attempts on P1 while 45% produced at least one valid attempt on P2. It was concluded that both abdominal tests were adequate for the studied sample and they can be applied to adult and elderly women to assess their abdominal musculature.(AU)

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de las variables las antropométricas y la flexibilidad sobre el desempeño de mujeres mayores de 55 años en protocolos de testes abdominales. La muestra, seleccionada por criterio de accesibilidad, estuvo formada por 20 voluntarias físicamente activas, mayores de 55 años (mediana 61), que participaban en actividades gimnásticas para personas mayores. Cada voluntaria realizó dos pruebas abdominales: flexión parcial del tronco con deslizamiento de las manos de 7,6 cm (P1) y flexión parcial del tronco con las manos en los muslos (P2), ambas ejecutadas con los pies apoyados en el suelo. Para el análisis, se consideró el número de ejecuciones correctas (posición final) en cada prueba, según lo recomendado por los autores. Se realizaron mediciones de masa corporal, flexibilidad, altura, perímetro de cintura y cadera, percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo y cálculos del índice de masa corporal y la relación cintura-cadera. También se evaluó la percepción de esfuerzo abdominal y de malestar o dolor en la región cervical y lumbar. Los resultados mostraron que no hubo asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre las variables analizadas (Edad: P1: rs = -0,024, p = 0,916; P2: rs = -0,194, p = 0,407; IMC: P1: rs =-0,064, p = 0,792; P2: rs = -0,235, p = 0,327; Perímetro de cintura: P1: rs = -0,143, p = 0,563; P2: rs = 0,027, p = 0,908; Flexibilidad: rs = -0,327, p = 0,169; P2: rs = 0,0009, p = 0,991; Relación cintura/cadera: P1: rs = -0,209, p = 0,371; P2: rs = 0,217, p = 0,353) y el desempeño en las pruebas, y el 35% de las participantes hicieron intentos válidos en P1 mientras que el 45% produjo al menos un intento válido en P2. Se concluyó que ambas pruebas abdominales fueron adecuadas para la muestra estudiada y se pueden aplicar a mujeres adultas y mayores para evaluar su musculatura abdominal.(AU)

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the MPAM-R to Brazilian Portuguese and Proposal of a New Method to Calculate Factor Scores.

In order to understand the reasons that lead individuals to practice physical activity, researchers developed the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised (MPAM-R) scale. In 2010, a translation of MPAM-R to Portuguese and its validation was performed. However, psychometric measures were not acceptable. In addition, factor scores in some sports psychology scales are calculated by the mean of scores by items of the factor. Nevertheless, it seems appropriate that items with higher factor loadings, extracted by Factor Analysis, have greater weight in the factor score, as items with lower factor loadings have less weight in the factor score. The aims of the present study are to translate, validate the MPAM-R for Portuguese versions, and investigate agreement between two methods used to calculate factor scores. Three hundred volunteers who were involved in physical activity programs for at least 6 months were collected. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the 30 items indicated that the version did not fit the model. After excluding four items, the final model with 26 items showed acceptable model fit measures by Exploratory Factor Analysis, as well as it conceptually supports the five factors as the original proposal. When two methods are compared to calculate factors scores, our results showed that only "Enjoyment" and "Appearance" factors showed agreement between methods to calculate factor scores. So, the Portuguese version of the MPAM-R can be used in a Brazilian context, and a new proposal for the calculation of the factor score seems to be promising.

Determinant factors of functional status among the oldest old.

BACKGROUND: The fastest-growing age group in Brazil and around the world is the oldest-old group (aged 80 and over). Among these individuals, the prevalence of disability and morbidity is higher than in other groups. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of socioeconomic, demographic, biological, health, nutritional, and social factors, as well as perceived health, on the functional status of the oldest old. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study in which the data were collected by means of questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The functional status was evaluated according to the model developed by Andreotti and Okuma (1999). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. RESULTS: The independent factors associated with worse functional status were: age 85 years and over (OR=2.91), female gender (OR=0.69), continuous use of five or more medications (OR=2.67), no visits to friends and/or relatives at least once a week (OR=11.91), and worse perceived health relative to peers (OR=4.40). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that functional status is associated with a complex web of multidimensional factors. Thus, it is important to develop programs related to the factors that are susceptible to intervention in order to provide a better quality of life to the oldest old.

Fatores determinantes da capacidade funcional em idosos longevos / Determinant factors of functional status among the oldest old

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A faixa etária que mais cresce no Brasil e no mundo é a de idosos com 80 anos e mais. Entre esses indivíduos, a prevalência de incapacidades e morbidades é maior que em outros grupos. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a influência de fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos, biológicos e de saúde, nutricionais, de relações sociais, além da autoavaliação da saúde sobre a capacidade funcional de idosos longevos (80 anos e mais). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de base populacional, em que os dados foram obtidos por meio de questionários e medidas antropométricas. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada utilizando-se o modelo desenvolvido por Andreotti e Okuma (1999). Foram realizadas análises univariada e multivariada. RESULTADOS: Os fatores independentes associados à pior capacidade funcional foram: ter 85 anos e mais (OR=2,91), ser do gênero feminino (OR=6,09), fazer uso contínuo de cinco ou mais medicamentos (OR=2,67), não visitar parentes e/ou amigos pelo menos uma vez por semana (OR=11,91) e considerar a própria saúde pior que a de seus pares (OR=4,40). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que a capacidade funcional está associada a uma complexa rede de fatores multidimensionais, sendo importante o desenvolvimento de ações relacionadas àqueles fatores que são passíveis de intervenção, visando propiciar melhores condições de saúde e qualidade de vida a esses indivíduos.

BACKGROUND: The fastest-growing age group in Brazil and around the world is the oldest-old group (aged 80 and over). Among these individuals, the prevalence of disability and morbidity is higher than in other groups. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of socioeconomic, demographic, biological, health, nutritional, and social factors, as well as perceived health, on the functional status of the oldest old. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study in which the data were collected by means of questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The functional status was evaluated according to the model developed by Andreotti and Okuma (1999). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. RESULTS: The independent factors associated with worse functional status were: age 85 years and over (OR=2.91), female gender (OR=0.69), continuous use of five or more medications (OR=2.67), no visits to friends and/or relatives at least once a week (OR=11.91), and worse perceived health relative to peers (OR=4.40). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that functional status is associated with a complex web of multidimensional factors. Thus, it is important to develop programs related to the factors that are susceptible to intervention in order to provide a better quality of life to the oldest old.