Practice of physical activities is related to fine motor skills in elderly / Prática de atividades físicas estão relacionadas a motricidade fina de idosos

Objective: Evaluating the fine motor skills (M1) degree in a group of independent elders, checking its possible association with the weekly practice of physical activities. Methods: 139 independent elders of both genders, aged 60 and older, who responded to a survey about their weekly practice of physical activities and then, later on were subjected to M1 tests according to EMTI, which final scores determine each individual's M1. The elderly were categorized into two groups: 60­70 years­old and above 70 years­old. Results: the female gender was predominant in the sample. Most of the elders (46.56%) showed a M¹ Mean Normal, followed by Inferior levels (29.50%) and Superior levels (23.74%). About 6.5% of the elders do not practice any physical activity, 5% practice it once a week, 53% twice a week and 35.5% more than two times per week. It could be observed that those practicing physical activity at least three times a week have better score on the M1 test (Mann­Whitney Test; p = 0.039). On the other hand, the group older than 70 years had a worse performance (Mann­Whitney Test, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The M1 Normal Medium was the score achieved with the highest percentage in the two age groups analyzed, being the group older than 70 years the one that presented worse performance. In addition, sedentary elderly or those who report having physical activity only once a week also had the worst test results.

Objetivo: Avaliar o grau de Motricidade fina (M1) de um grupo de idosos independentes verificando a possível associação com a frequência semanal de atividade física. Métodos: 139 idosos independentes, de ambos os gêneros, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, que responderam um questionário relacionado a sua frequência semanal de atividade física, e, posteriormente, realizaram testes de M1 de acordo com a EMTI, cuja pontuação final determina a M1 de cada um. Os idosos foram categorizados em dois grupos: 60 a 70 anos e acima de 70 anos. Resultados: O gênero feminino foi predominante (88%) na amostra. A maioria dos idosos (46,56%) apresentaram M1 Normal Médio, seguido de níveis inferiores (29,50%) e superiores (23,74%). Em torno de 6,5% dos idosos da amostra não realizam atividade física, 5% praticam uma vez por semana, 53% duas vezes por semana e 35,5% acima de duas vezes. Foi observado que aqueles que praticam atividade física no mínimo três vezes por semana obtêm melhores pontos pelo teste de M1 (Teste Mann­Whitney; p = 0,039), já o grupo acima de 70 anos teve pior desempenho (Teste Mann­Whitney; p = 0,001). Conclusão: A M1 Normal Médio foi a classificação alcançada com maior percentual nos dois grupos etários analisados, sendo no grupo acima de 70 anos aquele que apresentou pior desempenho. Além disso, idosos sedentários ou que afirmam realizar atividade física apenas uma vez por semana também tiveram os piores resultados nos testes.

Perception and Knowledge of Dentists in Southern Brazil Related to use of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment in the Public Health Service

Objective: To investigate the perception and knowledge of dentists regarding use of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) in public health services of cities in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. Material and Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire with 60 dentists who work with public dentistry services. To evaluate possible associations between the use of ART and the independent variables we used the chi-square test and logistic regression models (α = 0.05). Results: Forty-four questionnaires were completed, resulting in a response rate of 73%. Of the respondents, 70.4% supported the use of ART and 81.8% reported having some training in the technique. However, 72.7% consider ART to be a temporary or urgent treatment. Professionals who do not advocate the use of ART were 76% less likely to use the technique when compared to their colleagues who defend the use of the technique (OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.98). Conclusion: While most dentists have knowledge and positive attitude towards ART, greater dissemination is required for this technique can be used effectively on the public service.