Factors associated with inflamm-aging in institutionalized older people.

The increase in inflammatory cytokines associated with a reduction in the bioavailability of zinc has been used as a marker for inflammation. Despite the high inflammatory state found in institutionalized older individuals, few studies have proposed verifying the factors associated with this condition in this population. To verify the factors associated with inflamm-aging in institutionalized older people. A total of 178 older people (≥ 60 years old) living in nursing homes in Natal/RN were included in the study. Cluster analysis was used to identify three groups according to their inflammatory state. Analysis anthropometric, biochemical, sociodemographic, and health-related variables was carried out. In sequence, an ordinal logistic regression was performed for a confidence level of 95% in those variables with p < 0.20 in the bivariate analysis. IL-6, TNF-α, zinc, low-density lipids (LDL), high-density lipids (HDL), and triglycerides were associated with inflamm-aging. The increase of 1 unit of measurement of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides increased the chance of inflammation-aging by 1.5%, 4.1%, and 0.9%, respectively, while the oldest old (≥ 80 years old) had an 84.9% chance of presenting inflamm-aging in relation to non-long-lived older people (< 80 years). The association between biochemical markers and inflamm-aging demonstrates a relationship between endothelial injury and the inflammatory state. In addition, the presence of a greater amount of fat in the blood may present a higher relative risk of death.

Reliability and validity of physical fitness tests in people with mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several tests are available to assess the different components of physical fitness, including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. However, the reliability and validity of physical fitness tests in people with mental disorders has not been meta-analyzed. AIMS: To examine the reliability, concurrent, and convergent validity of physical fitness tests in people with mental disorders. METHODS: Studies evaluating the reliability, concurrent, and convergent validity of physical fitness tests in people with mental disorders were searched from major databases until January 20, 2020. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed pooling (1) reliability: test-retest correlations at two-time points, (2) convergent validity between submaximal tests and maximal protocols, or (3) concurrent validity between two submaximal tests. Associations are presented using r values and 95% confidence intervals. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies and the Critical Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies (N = 504; 34% females) were included. Reliability of the fitness tests, produced r values ranging from moderate (balance test-EUROFIT; [r = 0.75 (0.60-0.85); p = 0.0001]) to very strong (explosive leg power EUROFIT; [r = 0.96 (0.93-0.97); p = 0.0001]). Convergent validity between the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and submaximal cardiorespiratory tests was moderate (0.57 [0.26-0.77]; p = 0.0001). Concurrent validity between the 2-min walk test and 6MWT (r = 0.86 [0.39-0.97]; p = 0.0004) was strong. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that physical fitness tests are reliable and valid in people with mental disorders.

Factors associated with sarcopenia in institutionalized elderly.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of sarcopenia is based on the analysis of strength, functionality and muscle mass. The objective was to verify the factors associated with sarcopenia in institutionalized elderly. METHODS: In total, 219 elderly individuals (≥60 years old) living in long-term institutions in Natal/RN were included in the study. After defining the elderly as sarcopenic or non-sarcopenic, anthropometric, biochemical, sociodemographic and health-related were analyzed. The Student t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to analyze the quantitative, while the chi-square test was used for the qualitative variables. Finally, Poisson regression was used to provide prevalence ratios for those variables that presented differences in the bivariate analyses. RESULTS: Physical capacity and anthropometry were associated with sarcopenia. For each 1 cm of knee height, the elderly presented 2.71% more chance of not having sarcopenia, and eutrophic or overweight individuals (according to BMI) presented 37.71 and 91.81% chances, respectively, of not presenting sarcopenia. Elderly individuals who ambulate have a 30.08% chance of not being considered sarcopenic. In addition, biochemical and anthropometric indicators demonstrated a relationship of sarcopenia with malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is associated with a loss of body mass, not only selective muscle mass, and greater physical inability to ambulate.