Neuromuscular electrical stimulation but not photobiomodulation therapy improves cardiovascular parameters of rats with heart failure.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and photobiomodulation (PBMT) on the cardiovascular parameters, hemodynamic function, arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and autonomic balance (ANS) of rats with heart failure (HF). Male Wistar rats (220-290 g) were organized into five groups: Sham (n = 6), Control-HF (n = 5), NMES-HF (n = 6), PBMT-HF (n = 6), and NMES + PBMT-HF (n = 6). Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by left coronary artery ligation. Animals were subjected to an eight-week NMES and PBMT protocol. Statistical analysis included the General Linear Model (GLM) followed by a Bonferroni post-hoc test. Rats of the NMES-HF group showed a higher MI area than the Control-HF (P = 0.003), PBMT-HF (P = 0.002), and NMES + PBMT-HF (P = 0.012) groups. NMES-HF and NMES + PBMT-HF showed higher pulmonary congestion (P = 0.004 and P = 0.02) and lower systolic pressure (P = 0.019 and P = 0.002) than the Sham group. NMES + PBMT-HF showed lower mean arterial pressure (P = 0.02) than the Sham group. Control-HF showed a higher heart rate than the NMES-HF and NMES + PBMT-HF (P = 0.017 and P = 0.013) groups. There was no difference in the BRS and ANS variables between groups. In conclusion, eight-week NMES isolated or associated with PBMT protocol reduced basal heart rate, systolic and mean arterial pressure, without influence on baroreflex sensibility and autonomic control, and no effect of PBMT was seen in rats with HF.

Functional capacity in a rat model of heart failure: impact of myocardial infarct size.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production and exercise tolerance in rats that have undergone myocardial infarction classified by myocardial infarct (MI) size. What is the main finding and its importance? Oxygen uptake and exercise intolerance are MI size dependent, and classification based on MI size can distinguish rats with functional capacity impairment. Rats with a large MI (>40% of the left ventricle) might provide a good model for the testing of new therapies that have the potential to modify the variables of functional capacity. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and exercise tolerance in rats classified by myocardial infarct (MI) size are underexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate V̇O2, carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2) and exercise tolerance in rats that had undergone myocardial infarction. Fourteen weeks after myocardial infarction or sham surgery, rats underwent an integrated approach to evaluation of left ventricular function and V̇O2/V̇O2V̇CO2V̇CO2, exercise tolerance and skeletal muscle weight. Based on determination of MI size, rats were assigned to sham-operated controls (Sham, n = 12), small myocardial infarction (SMI, n = 8) and large myocardial infarction (LMI, n = 5) groups. The LMI rats showed lower systolic (ejection fraction and fractional shortening) and diastolic (E/A ratio) left ventricular function compared with SMI. Maximal V̇O2 (∼24%, P < 0.05), V̇O2 reserve (∼30%, P < 0.05), time to exhaustion (∼36%, P < 0.05) and maximal velocity (∼30%, P < 0.05) were lower in LMI compared with sham-operated control animals, with no difference between SMI rats and sham-operated controls. Maximal V̇CO2 and respiratory exchange ratio showed no significant difference between MI rats and sham-operated control rats. The LMI rats demonstrated lower gastrocnemius weight (∼12%, P < 0.05) and soleus weight (∼19%, P = 0.07) compared with sham-operated control rats. Significant correlations between MI size, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, right ventricle hypertrophy, pulmonary congestion, ejection fraction and fractional shortening with maximal V̇O2 and distance run were observed. Oxygen uptake and exercise intolerance are MI size dependent.

Maximal oxygen uptake and exercise tolerance are improved in rats with heart failure subjected to low-level laser therapy associated with resistance training.

Exercise tolerance and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) are reduced in heart failure (HF). The influence of combined resistance training (RT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on exercise tolerance and VO2max in HF has not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of combined RT and LLLT on VO2max and exercise tolerance in rats with HF induced by myocardial infarction (MI). Rats were allocated to sedentary sham (Sed-Sham, n = 12), sedentary heart failure (Sed-HF, n = 9), RT heart failure (RT-HF, n = 7) and RT associated with LLLT heart failure (RT + LLLT-HF, n = 7) groups. After MI or sham surgery, rats underwent a RT and LLLT protocol (applied immediately after RT) for 8 weeks. VO2max and exercise tolerance were evaluated at the end of protocol. HF rats subjected to LLLT combined with RT showed higher VO2basal (41 %), VO2max (40 %), VO2reserve (39 %), run distance (46 %), time to exhaustion (30 %) and maximal velocity (22 %) compared with HF rats that underwent RT alone. LLLT associated with RT improved oxygen uptake and exercise tolerance compared with RT alone in HF rats.

Light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) improves functional capacity in rats with heart failure.

The syndrome of heart failure (HF) promotes central and peripheral dysfunctions that result in functional capacity decrease, leading to fatigue, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance. The use of light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) has shown good results reducing fatigue and exercise intolerance, when applied on skeletal muscles before or after exercises. Thereby, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of LEDT on functional capacity, aerobic power, and hemodynamic function in HF rats. Male Wistar rats (230-260 g) were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: Sham (n = 6), Control-HF (n = 4), and LEDT-HF (n = 6). The animals were subjected to an exercise performance test (ET) with gas analysis coupled in a metabolic chamber for rats performed two times (6 and 14 weeks after myocardial infarction). On the day after the baseline aerobic capacity test, the animals were submitted during 8 weeks to the phototherapy protocol, five times/week, 60 s of irradiation, 6 J delivered per muscle group. Statistical analysis was performed by one- and two-way ANOVAs with repeated measures and Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc tests (p ≤ 0.05). Comparing the percentage difference (Δ) between baseline and the final ET, there was no significant difference for the VO2max variable considering all groups. However, Sham and LEDT-HF groups showed higher relative values than the Control-HF group, respectively, for distance covered (27.7 and 32.5 %), time of exercise test (17.7 and 20.5 %), and speed (13.6 and 12.2 %). In conclusion, LEDT was able to increase the functional capacity evaluated by distance covered, time, and speed of exercise in rats with HF.

Quantification of DNA Damage in Different Tissues in Rats with Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex syndrome which comprises structural and functional alterations in the heart in maintaining the adequate blood demand to all tissues. Few investigations sought to evaluate oxidative DNA damage in CHF. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the DNA damage using the comet assay in left ventricle (LV), lungs, diaphragm, gastrocnemius and soleus in rats with CHF. METHODS: Twelve male Wistar rats (300 to 330 g) were selected for the study: Sham (n = 6) and CHF (n = 6). The animals underwent myocardial infarction by the ligation of the left coronary artery. After six weeks, the animals were euthanized. It was performed a cell suspension of the tissues. The comet assay was performed to evaluate single and double strand breaks in DNA. Significance level (p) considered < 0.05. RESULTS: The CHF group showed higher values of left ventricle end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), pulmonary congestion, cardiac hypertrophy and lower values of maximal positive and negative derivatives of LV pressure, LV systolic pressure (p < 0.05). CHF group showed higher DNA damage (% tail DNA, tail moment and Olive tail moment) compared to Sham (p < 0.001). The tissue with the highest damage was the soleus, compared to LV and gastrocnemius in CHF group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicates that the CHF affects all tissues, both centrally and peripherically, being more affected in skeletal muscle (soleus) and is positively correlated with LV dysfunction.

Effects of l-arginine supplementation associated with continuous or interval aerobic training on chronic heart failure rats.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is related with exercise intolerance and impaired nitric oxide (NO) production, which can lead to several functional capacity alterations. Considering the possible superiority of aerobic interval training compared to continuous training and the capacity of l-arginine to restore the NO pathway, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether these treatments are beneficial to exercise capacity, muscle mass preservation and hemodynamic, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in CHF rats. METHODS: Thirty-eight male Wistar rats post 6weeks of myocardial infarction (MI) surgery were randomly assigned into 6 CHF groups: sedentary (SED, n=6); SED+Arg (n=7); ACT (n=8); ACT+Arg (n=5); AIT (n=7); AIT+Arg (n=5). Exercise test capacity (ETC) was performed pre and post 8weeks of intervention. Supplemented rats received Arg (1g/kg) by oral gavage (7×/week). Exercise training was performed on a rat treadmill (5×/week). Hemodynamic variables, tissue collection, congestion, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative parameters were evaluated at the end of protocols. RESULTS: All trained groups showed a superior exercise capacity compared to SED groups on the post-intervention test (p<0.0001). Pulmonary congestion was attenuated in AIT and AIT+Arg compared with the SED group (p<0.05). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was lower in ACT+Arg, AIT, and AIT+Arg groups than SED group (p<0.05). Association of AIT with Arg supplementation was able to improve hemodynamic responses (left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), +dP/dtmax, and -dP/dtmax (p<0.05), likewise, decrease muscular and renal lipid peroxidation and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and increase interleukin (IL)-10/TNF-α plasmatic levels (p<0.01). Groups that associated aerobic exercise with Arg supplementation (ACT+Arg and AIT+Arg) revealed higher gastrocnemius mass compared to the SED group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both aerobic training protocols were capable to improve aerobic capacity, and the association with Arg supplementation was important to attenuate muscle loss. Moreover, interval training associated with Arg supplementation elicits greater improvements in hemodynamic parameters, contributing to reduction in pulmonary congestion, and demonstrated particular responses in the inflammatory profile and in the antioxidant status.

Skeletal muscle electrical stimulation improves baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability in heart failure rats.

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on the arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and cardiovascular autonomic control in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). Male Wistar rats were designated to one of four groups: placebo sham (P-Sham, n=9), ES sham (ES-Sham, n=9), placebo CHF (P-CHF, n=9) or ES CHF (ES-CHF, n=9). The ES was adjusted at a low frequency (30 Hz), duration of 250 µs, with hold and rest time of 8s (4 weeks, 30 min/day, 5 times/week). It was applied on the gastrocnemius muscle with intensity to produce a visible muscle contraction. The rats assigned to the placebo groups performed the same procedures with the equipment turned off. The two-way ANOVA and the post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls tests (P<0.05) were used to data comparison. The BRS was higher in ES-Sham group compared to the P-Sham group and the ES-CHF group compared to the P-CHF group. ES was able to decrease heart rate sympatho-vagal modulation and peripheral sympathetic modulation in ES-CHF compared to P-CHF group. Interestingly, heart rate sympatho-vagal modulation was similar between ES-CHF and P-Sham groups. Thus, ES enhances heart rate parasympathetic modulation on heart failure (ES-CHF) compared to placebo (P-CHF), with consequent decrease of sympatho-vagal balance in the ES-CHF group compared to the P-CHF. The results show that a 4 week ES protocol in CHF rats enhances arterial BRS and cardiovascular autonomic control.

Ultrasound modulates skeletal muscle cytokine levels in rats with heart failure.

Heart failure is a multisystemic disorder that leads to an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therapeutic ultrasound (TU) has been reported to modulate the inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TU on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in soleus muscle and plasma of rats with heart failure. Thirty male Wistar rats (230-260 g) were submitted to ligation of the left coronary artery or sham surgery. Six weeks after surgery, TU was administered directly to the right lower limb. The results indicate that TU promotes reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6) and increases anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (interleukin-10) in the soleus muscle of rats with heart failure. This is the first study to find that TU can modulate cytokine levels in rats with heart failure. Additionally, this is a first report that TU can modulate interleukin-10 levels in the soleus muscle.

Quantification of DNA Damage in Different Tissues in Rats with Heart Failure / Quantificação de Dano em DNA em Diferentes Tecidos em Ratos com Insuficiência Cardíaca

Abstract Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex syndrome which comprises structural and functional alterations in the heart in maintaining the adequate blood demand to all tissues. Few investigations sought to evaluate oxidative DNA damage in CHF. Objective: To quantify the DNA damage using the comet assay in left ventricle (LV), lungs, diaphragm, gastrocnemius and soleus in rats with CHF. Methods: Twelve male Wistar rats (300 to 330 g) were selected for the study: Sham (n = 6) and CHF (n = 6). The animals underwent myocardial infarction by the ligation of the left coronary artery. After six weeks, the animals were euthanized. It was performed a cell suspension of the tissues. The comet assay was performed to evaluate single and double strand breaks in DNA. Significance level (p) considered < 0.05. Results: The CHF group showed higher values of left ventricle end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), pulmonary congestion, cardiac hypertrophy and lower values of maximal positive and negative derivatives of LV pressure, LV systolic pressure (p < 0.05). CHF group showed higher DNA damage (% tail DNA, tail moment and Olive tail moment) compared to Sham (p < 0.001). The tissue with the highest damage was the soleus, compared to LV and gastrocnemius in CHF group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicates that the CHF affects all tissues, both centrally and peripherically, being more affected in skeletal muscle (soleus) and is positively correlated with LV dysfunction.

Resumo Fundamento: A insuficiência cardíaca crônica (ICC) é uma síndrome complexa que compreende alterações estruturais e funcionais no coração, mantendo demanda sanguínea adequada a todos os tecidos. Poucas investigações procuraram avaliar o dano oxidativo ao DNA na ICC. Objetivo: Quantificar o dano ao DNA utilizando o ensaio cometa no ventrículo esquerdo (VE), pulmões, diafragma, gastrocnêmio e sóleo em ratos com ICC. Métodos: Doze ratos Wistar machos (300 a 330 g) foram selecionados para o estudo: placebo (n = 6) e ICC (n = 6). Os animais foram submetidos a infarto do miocárdio através de ligadura da artéria coronária esquerda. Após seis semanas, os animais foram sacrificados. Foi realizada uma suspensão celular dos tecidos. O ensaio cometa foi realizado para avaliar as quebras de fita simples e dupla no DNA. Nível de significância (p) < 0,05. Resultados: O grupo ICC apresentou maiores valores de pressão diastólica final do ventrículo esquerdo (PDFVE), congestão pulmonar, hipertrofia cardíaca e menores valores de derivados máximos positivos e negativos da pressão do VE, pressão sistólica do VE (p < 0,05). O grupo ICC apresentou maior dano ao DNA (% de DNA da cauda, momento da cauda e momento da cauda de Olive) em comparação ao placebo (p < 0,001). O tecido com maior dano foi o sóleo, comparado ao VE e ao gastrocnêmio no grupo ICC (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Nossos resultados indicam que a ICC afeta todos os tecidos, de maneira central e periférica, sendo mais afetada no músculo esquelético (sóleo) e está positivamente correlacionada com a disfunção do VE.

Male adult rat sperm parameters after skeletal muscle injury / Parâmetros espermáticos de ratos adultos após lesão músculo-esquelética / Parámetros espermáticos de ratas adultas después de lesión músculo-esquelética

ABSTRACT Introduction: Skeletal muscle injuries stimulate a systemic inflammatory response which may interfere in species reproduction. Objective: To evaluate the effects caused by skeletal muscle injuries on the inflammatory response and sperm parameters of male adult rats. Methods: The sample group was composed of 30 Wistar rats distributed evenly across control and injury groups. Muscle injury was induced by bruising, caused by the release of a 200 g weight from a height of 30 cm onto the gastrocnemius muscle. Blood (CBC and damage/muscle inflammation markers), muscle (oxidative stress) and gonad (sperm parameters) samples were collected 72h after the injury. Results: The muscle injury increased monocytes, creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, the injury reduced antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), membrane integrity (36%) and sperm acrosome (33%). Membrane integrity and acrosome (p<0.05) correlate directly with ACAP (ρ=0.602; ρ=0.513 respectively) and inversely with monocytes (ρ=-0.703; ρ=-0.635, respectively), creatine kinase (ρ=-0.450; ρ=-0.603), C-reactive protein (ρ=-0.511; ρ=-0.703) and parameters of oxidative stress (ROS ρ=-0.703; ρ=-0.635; lipid peroxidation ρ=-0.494; ρ=-0.559). Conclusion: The acute systemic inflammatory response arising from skeletal muscle injury interferes in the male reproductive cell organelles (membrane and acrosome). Level of Evidence V; Experimental study.

RESUMO Introdução: As lesões músculo-esqueléticas estimulam uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica que pode interferir na reprodução das espécies. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos causados pelas lesões músculo-esqueléticas sobre a resposta inflamatória e os parâmetros espermáticos de ratos machos adultos. Métodos: O grupo da amostra foi composto por 30 ratos Wistar uniformemente distribuídos nos grupos controle e grupo lesionado. A lesão muscular foi induzida por meio de contusão, causada ao se soltar um peso de 200 g de uma altura de 30 cm sobre o músculo gastrocnêmio. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue (hemograma completo e marcadores de danos e inflamação muscular), músculo (estresse oxidativo) e gônadas (parâmetros espermáticos) 72 horas após a lesão. Resultados: A lesão muscular aumentou os monócitos, creatina quinase, proteína C-reativa, concentração de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e lipoperoxidação. Por outro lado, a lesão reduziu a capacidade antioxidante contra os radicais peroxil (ACAP), a integridade da membrana (36%) e o acrossoma espermático (33%). A integridade da membrana e o acrossoma (p<0,05) se correlacionaram diretamente com ACAP (ρ=0,602; ρ=0,513 respectivamente) e inversamente com os monócitos (ρ=-0,703; ρ=-0,635, respectivamente), creatina quinase (ρ=-0,450; ρ=-0,603), proteína C-reativa (ρ=-0,511; ρ=-0,703) e parâmetros de estresse oxidativo (ROS ρ=-0,703; ρ=-0,635; lipoperoxidação ρ=-0,494; ρ=-0,559). Conclusão: A resposta inflamatória sistêmica aguda decorrente da lesão músculo-esquelética interfere nas organelas das células reprodutivas masculinas (membrana e acrossoma). Nível de evidência V; Estudo experimental.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las lesiones músculo-esqueléticas estimulan una respuesta inflamatoria sistémica que puede interferir en la reproducción de las especies. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos causados por las lesiones músculo-esqueléticas sobre la respuesta inflamatoria y los parámetros espermáticos de ratas macho adultas. Métodos: El grupo de la muestra fue compuesto por 30 ratas Wistar distribuidas uniformemente en los grupos control y grupo lesionado. La lesión muscular fue inducida por medio de contusión, causada al soltarse un peso de 200 g desde una altura de 30 cm sobre el músculo gastrocnemio. Fueron colectadas muestras de sangre (hemograma completo y marcadores de daños e inflamación muscular), músculo (estrés oxidativo) y gónadas (parámetros espermáticos) 72 horas después de la lesión. Resultados: La lesión muscular aumentó los monocitos, creatina quinasa, proteína C reactiva, concentración de especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS) y lipoperoxidación. Por otro lado, la lesión redujo la capacidad antioxidante contra los radicales peroxilo (ACAP), la integridad de la membrana (36%) y el acrosoma espermático (33%). La integridad de la membrana y el acrosoma (p<0,05) se correlacionan directamente con ACAP (ρ=0,602; ρ=0,513 respectivamente) e inversamente con los monocitos (ρ=-0,703; ρ=-0,635, respectivamente), creatina quinasa (ρ=-0,450, ρ=-0,603), proteína C reactiva (ρ=-0,511; ρ=-0,703) y parámetros de estrés oxidativo (ROS ρ=-0,703; ρ=-0,635; lipoperoxidación ρ=-0,494; ρ=-0,559). Conclusión: La respuesta inflamatoria sistémica aguda proveniente de la lesión músculo-esquelética interfiere en los orgánulos de las células reproductivas masculinas (membrana y acrosoma). Nivel de evidencia V; Estudio experimental.

Efeito agudo e crônico do treinamento aquático nas variáveis hemodinâmicas de pacientes cardiopatas: uma análise retrospectiva / Acute and chronic effects of aquatic training on hemodynamic variables of cardiac patients: a retrospective analysis

Introdução: A Insuficiência Cardíaca é uma patologia causada por várias desordens estruturais e funcionais que resultam na intolerância ao exercício, porém o treinamento aquático tem-se mostrado um importante método para a reabilitação de cardiopatas. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento hemodinâmico agudo e crônico de pacientes cardiopatas submetidos a um protocolo de treinamento aquático. Material e métodos: A amostra foi constituída por seis indivíduos com diagnóstico de cardiopatia, com idade de 68,3 ± 8,9 anos. Foram levantados dados dos prontuários referentes a características da amostra, pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), frequência cardíaca (FC) e duplo produto (DP) pré e pós-sessão de treinamento aquático com frequência de duas vezes semanais, durante noventa dias. Resultados: Quanto ao efeito agudo, observou-se um aumento da FC no 2º (p=0,001) no 3º mês (p=0,033) e um aumento do DP no 2º mês (p=0,033) e no 3º mês (p=0,028) no pós-exercício em relação ao pré-exercício. Quanto ao efeito crônico, observou-se aumento na FC entre o segundo e o terceiro mês (p=0,044). Conclusão: O treinamento aquático foi capaz de aumentar aguda e cronicamente a FC e o DP em pacientes cardiopatas, sem alterações na pressão arterial.

Introduction: The cardiac insufficiency is a pathology caused by many structural and functional disorders which result in exercise intolerance. However, the aquatic training has been shown as an important method used in rehabilitation programs for cardiac patients. Objective: To evaluate the acute and chronic hemodynamic behavior of cardiac patients performing an aquatic training protocol. Methods: The six investigated individuals were 68.3 ± 8.9 years old, all of them with cardiopathy diagnostic. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the heart rate data, before and after exercise, were taken from medical records. The training sessions were conducted twice a week, during 90 days. Results: The acute effect of exercise increased the heart rate during the second (p=0.001) and the third (p=0.033) months, and also increased the double-product during the same periods (p=0.033 and p=0.028, respectively), comparing data before and after exercise. The chronic effect was observed by the increase of the heart rate in the third month compared to the second (p=0.044). Conclusion: The acute and chronic effect of the aquatic training increased the heart rate and the double-product of cardiac patients without blood pressure variations.

Estudo da mortalidade em população idosa de municípios do Rio Grande do Sul no período de 1996 a 2004 / Study of mortality in senior population of municipal districts of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, from 1996 to 2004

Estima-se que, no Brasil, a população com 60 anos ou mais será em torno de 34 milhões em 2025. O idoso vivencia em seu processo de envelhecimento uma série de alterações, que proporcionam o aparecimento de uma série de doenças que podem conduzi-lo ao óbito. Diante de tal realidade, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a evolução na taxa de mortalidade em idosos de municípios do interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no período de 1996 a 2004, levando em consideração as faixas etárias e as diferenças entre os gêneros neste período, além de identificar as principais causas de óbitos. Dos resultados encontrados, podemos salientar que as doenças do aparelho circulatório apresentaram as taxas mais elevadas, seguidas pelas doenças do aparelho respiratório e neoplasias. Entre os gêneros, o diabetes mellitus apresenta maior prevalência entre as mulheres. Com relação à idade, as maiores taxas se encontram na população com mais de 80 anos.

Capacidade funcional entre idosos institucionalizados da região do alto jacuí – Rio Grande do Sul / Functional capacity among elderly people living in charities in the Alto Jacuí region – Rio Grande do Sul

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a capacidade funcional de idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência da região do Alto Jacuí. O local do estudo envolveu as instituições asilares situadas na região do Alto Jacuí, sendo entrevistados 117 idosos, de 7 municípios: Cruz Alta, Espumoso, Ibirubá, Não-Me-Toque, Saldanha Marinho, Salto do Jacuí e Tapera. O instrumento usado para coleta de dados foi " Minimum Data Set (MDS)- Versão 2.0 - Simplificada". Os dados foram analisados com a utilização da estatística descritiva, as associações entre as variáveis quantitativas foram estimadas através do Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman e as associações entre as variáveis quantitativas foram estimadas através do Teste do Qui-Quadrado. As diferenças entre médias dos sujeitos agrupados foram estimadas através do Teste t de Student ou pelo Teste de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados apontam uma prevalência do sexo feminino (6 Fatores determinantes da capacidade funcional entre idosos 3,2%), sendo a média de idade das mulheres (81,84 anos) significativamente maior que a dos homens (75,12 anos). Com relação às AVDs, o banho, o uso do banheiro e o vestir-se foram as atividades de maior dependência. Não foi identificada associação entre tempo de internação, idade e AVD's, bem como diferença entre gênero e AVD's. Contudo foi identificada associação entre equilíbrio e AVD's. Ao final pode-se perceber que capacidade funcional se apresenta limitada na maioria dos idosos asilados avaliados.

The aim of this study was to analyse the functional capacity of elderly people living in permanent abodes in the region of Alto Jacuí, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The study involved asylum institutions located in seven counties: Cruz Alta, Espumoso, Ibirubá, Não- Me-Toque, Saldanha Marinho, Salto do Jacuí and Tapera, where a total of 117 elderly were interviewed. The instrument used to collect data was "Minimum Data Set (MDS) - Version 2.0 - Simplified". Data were analysed through descriptive statistics. The associations among the quantitative variables were estimated through the Spearman Coefficient Correlation and the associations among the qualitative variables through the Chi Square t Test. The differences among the averages of grouped subjects were evaluated using the t Student Test or the Mann-Whitney Test. Results point to a prevalence of females (63.2%), being their average age (81.84 years), significantly higher than the average age of the males (75.12 years). In relation to the Daily Life Activities (DLA), the bath, the use of the bathroom and dressing were the activities of greater dependence. It was not identified association among internment time, age and DLA. However, an association between equilibrium and DLA was found. At the end it was possible to note that the functional capacity is limited in the great majority of elderly people living in asylums.

Capacidade funcional entre idosos institucionalizados da região do alto jacuí – Rio Grande do Sul / Functional capacity among elderly people living in charities in the Alto Jacuí region – Rio Grande do Sul

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a capacidade funcional de idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência da região do Alto Jacuí. O local do estudo envolveu as instituições asilares situadas na região do Alto Jacuí, sendo entrevistados 117 idosos, de 7 municípios: Cruz Alta, Espumoso, Ibirubá, Não-Me-Toque, Saldanha Marinho, Salto do Jacuí e Tapera. O instrumento usado para coleta de dados foi " Minimum Data Set (MDS)- Versão 2.0 - Simplificada". Os dados foram analisados com a utilização da estatística descritiva, as associações entre as variáveis quantitativas foram estimadas através do Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman e as associações entre as variáveis quantitativas foram estimadas através do Teste do Qui-Quadrado. As diferenças entre médias dos sujeitos agrupados foram estimadas através do Teste t de Student ou pelo Teste de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados apontam uma prevalência do sexo feminino (6 Fatores determinantes da capacidade funcional entre idosos 3,2%), sendo a média de idade das mulheres (81,84 anos) significativamente maior que a dos homens (75,12 anos). Com relação às AVDs, o banho, o uso do banheiro e o vestir-se foram as atividades de maior dependência. Não foi identificada associação entre tempo de internação, idade e AVD's, bem como diferença entre gênero e AVD's. Contudo foi identificada associação entre equilíbrio e AVD's. Ao final pode-se perceber que capacidade funcional se apresenta limitada na maioria dos idosos asilados avaliados.(AU)

The aim of this study was to analyse the functional capacity of elderly people living in permanent abodes in the region of Alto Jacuí, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The study involved asylum institutions located in seven counties: Cruz Alta, Espumoso, Ibirubá, Não- Me-Toque, Saldanha Marinho, Salto do Jacuí and Tapera, where a total of 117 elderly were interviewed. The instrument used to collect data was "Minimum Data Set (MDS) - Version 2.0 - Simplified". Data were analysed through descriptive statistics. The associations among the quantitative variables were estimated through the Spearman Coefficient Correlation and the associations among the qualitative variables through the Chi Square t Test. The differences among the averages of grouped subjects were evaluated using the t Student Test or the Mann-Whitney Test. Results point to a prevalence of females (63.2%), being their average age (81.84 years), significantly higher than the average age of the males (75.12 years). In relation to the Daily Life Activities (DLA), the bath, the use of the bathroom and dressing were the activities of greater dependence. It was not identified association among internment time, age and DLA. However, an association between equilibrium and DLA was found. At the end it was possible to note that the functional capacity is limited in the great majority of elderly people living in asylums.(AU)

Qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional de idosos adscritos em um PSF da cidade de Cruz Alta/RS / Quality of life and functional capacity of elderly people enrolled in a family health program in Cruz Alta/RS

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a qualidade de vida entre idosos autônomos e dependentes vinculados ao PSF de um bairro da cidade de Cruz Alta/RS e identificar a existência de associação entre a idade, o gênero e a avaliação subjetiva de saúde com a capacidade funcional. Foram avaliados 103 idosos com idade média de 70,8 anos (73 por cento mulheres e 27 por cento homens). Os instrumentos usados para avaliação da capacidade funcional foram o índice de Barthel e a escala de Lawton e para avaliação da qualidade de vida, o WHOQOL-bref. A associação entre as variáveis foi estimada através do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e através do teste do qui-quadrado. As diferenças eventuais entre as médias dos sujeitos foram estimadas através do teste t de Student. Na determinação da capacidade funcional, foram classificados 65 idosos como autônomos e 38 como dependentes. Não foi identificada associação entre a capacidade funcional e o gênero (p = 0,16). Porém houve associação entre a capacidade funcional e a idade (p = 0,000) e a avaliação subjetiva de saúde (p = 0,007). Na comparação das médias dos domínios do WHOQOL-bref entre o grupo autônomo e dependente, foi encontrada diferença significativa em todos os domínios e na qualidade de vida global. Ao final, os resultados indicaram que nos idosos que referiram uma pior avaliação subjetiva da condição da saúde há também maior dependência.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life among autonomous and dependent elderly people enrolled in a Family Health Program (FHP) in a district of Cruz Alta, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and to identify the existence of an association among age, gender and health subjective evaluation with functional capacity. One hundred and three elderly people averaging 70.8 years old (73 percent female and 27 percent male) were evaluated. The instruments used to evaluate the physical capacity were the Barthel index and Lawton’s Scale, and WHOQOL-bref to evaluate quality of life. Association among the variables was estimated through the Pearson correlation coefficient and through the chi-square test. Eventual differences among the averages of the subjects were estimated through the t Student test. In order to determine the functional capacity, 65 elderly were classified as autonomous and 38 as dependent. It was not identified association between functional capacity and gender (p = 0.16), but there was an association between functional capacity and age (p = 0.000) and the subjective health evaluation (p = 0.007). When comparing the WHOQOL-bref dominion averages between autonomous and dependent groups, a significant difference was found in all dominions and in global quality of life. In conclusion, results indicated that in those elderly people who referred a worse health condition in the subjective evaluation, the dependence is greater.