Bone mineral density and body composition in elderly runners: six-year follow-up / Densidade mineral óssea e composição corporal de idosos corredores: follow-up de seis anos

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition over a six-year period in elderly long-distance runners. Methods: We analyzed the medical records of elderly athletes who were long-distance runners, were participants of the IOT-HCFMUSP Orthogeriatric Group, and had their BMD evaluated between 2001 and 2007; of these athletes, 11 were included in the study. Inclusion criteria: athletes should be long-distance runners, should not stop long-distance running during the six-year period, and should have undergone BMD and body composition evaluations. Body composition was evaluated using bone densitometry with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry with a Lunar-DPX device. Results: Over the six-year period, body composition remained stable, but there was a significant increase only in the fat percentage (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Long-distance running may maintain BMD but may lead to an increase in the fat percentage in elderly runners. Level of Evidence II; Prognostic Study - Investigating the Effect of Patient Characteristics on Disease Outcome.

RESUMO Objetivo: Acompanhar a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) e a composição corporal, ao longo de seis anos, em idosos corredores de longa distância. Métodos: analisamos os prontuários médicos de um grupo de atletas idosos, corredores de longa distância, participantes do Grupo de Ortogeriatria do IOT-HC-FMUSP, e reunimos todos os atletas que tiveram a DMO avaliada no ano de 2001 e de 2007, sendo destes, 11 prontuários selecionados. Critérios de inclusão: ser corredor de longa distância; não parar de correr ao longo dos seis anos e ter os dois exames de DMO e composição corporal avaliados. A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio de densitometria óssea, com uma dupla energia de absorção de raios-X (DEXA), em um aparelho LUNAR-DPX. Resultados: Ao longo dos seis anos, a composição corpórea se manteve estável, havendo apenas um aumento significante na gordura expressa em (%) (p=0,003). Conclusão: A corrida de longa distância parece conservar a DMO de idosos corredores, porém com aumento de gordura. Nível do Evidência II; Estudos prognósticos - Investigação do efeito de características de um paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

Relationship between bone mineral density and body composition in elderly / Relação entre a densidade mineral óssea e a composição corporal em idosos

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition in healthy older adults at different skeletal sites. Methods: We analyzed 87 medical records and BMD along with the body composition of men ranging from 60 to 87 years of age (mean: 68.5, standard deviation: 6.5). Inclusion criteria were normal BMD values (T-score greater than or equal to -1.0) and body mass index within normal or overweight range (18.5 to 29.5 kg/m2). Body composition was evaluated using bone densitometry with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in a LUNAR-DPX apparatus. Results: Greater lean mass, fat mass, and soft tissue was associated with better BMD values in older adults, and higher age was associated with poorer BMD. Conclusion: Body composition (lean and fat masses and soft tissue) in older men is positively associated with BMD at all body sites (arms, legs, and trunk). Level of Evidence II; Prognostic studies - Investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on the outcome of disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre a DMO e a composição corporal em idosos hígidos em diferentes sítios esqueléticos. Métodos: Foram analisados 87 prontuários e exames de DMO com composição corporal de idosos do sexo masculino com média de idade de 68,5 (6,5) variando de 60 a 87 anos. Os critérios de inclusão foram valores de DMO dentro do normal (T-score maior ou igual a -1,0); IMC dentro dos valores normais ou sobrepeso (18,5 a 29,5 kg/m2). A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio de densitometria óssea por dupla emissão de raios-X (DEXA) em aparelho LUNAR-DPX. Resultados: Quanto maior as massas magra e gorda e os tecidos moles, melhor os valores da DMO dos idosos e quanto maior a idade, pior a qualidade da DMO. Conclusão: A composição corporal (massas magra e gorda e tecidos moles) de homens idosos associa-se positivamente na DMO em todos os locais do corpo (membros superiores, inferiores e tronco). Nível do Evidênci II; Estudos prognósticos - Investigação do efeito de caractetísticas de um paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

The effects of motor adaptation on ankle isokinetic assessments in older drivers

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to analyze the extent of motor adaptation in ankle plantar flexors and dorsiflexors among older drivers during clinical isokinetic testing. METHODS: One hundred older adults (70.4±5.7 years) participated in two bilateral ankle plantar flexor and dorsiflexor isokinetic assessments at 30°/sec. Peak torque (PTQ), PTQ adjusted for body weight (PTQ/BW), and total work (TW) were analyzed. RESULTS: On the dominant side, PTQ/BW and TW were significantly greater for the second plantar flexion test than were those for the first such test (p<0.001), whereas PTQ, PTQ/BW, and TW (p<0.001) were significantly greater for the second dorsiflexion test than were those for the first such test. On the non-dominant side, plantar flexion PTQ and TW were significantly lower for the second test than were those for the first test (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Older drivers demonstrated better performance with the dominant limb on the second test. The low variability in test execution showed the existence of a motor adaptation effect for the tested movements, despite the short recovery period between the assessments.

Assessment of the quality of life, muscle strength, and dynamic balance of elderly Kendo players

OBJECTIVE: To compare Kendo players with active elderly adults in terms of quality of life, functional aspects (muscle strength, postural balance) and body composition. METHODS: This was a controlled cross-sectional study. Twenty elderly individuals were divided into two groups: the Kendo group, with an average age of 71.8 (5.4) years, and the Control group, with an average age of 73.1 (4.8) years. Quality of life was evaluated using a questionnaire (WHOQOL-bref and WHOQOL-old); body composition was evaluated with a bioimpedance scale (InBody230); hand-grip strength was assessed with a portable manual dynamometer (Jamar SH 5001); flexor and extensor muscle strength of the knees was evaluated with an isokinetic device (Biode® System 3 model Biodex Multi Joint System, BIODEX); and dynamic balance was assessed using a force platform (Balance Master System, Neurocom International, Inc.,® Clackamas County, Oregon, USA). RESULTS: The groups were statistically homogeneous in terms of socio-demographic characterization, body composition, muscle strength, and dynamic balance, but the Control group was faster in the sit-to-stand test (p=0.03). The Kendo group had a statistically significantly better quality of life; in the WHOQOL-bref, these differences were present in the physical (p≤0.001) and environment (p=0.004) domains, and in the WHOQOL-old, these differences were present in social participation (p=0.001) and in past, present, and future activities (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Kendo is a health-promoting activity that improves the quality of life, functional aspects (muscle strength and postural balance) and body composition of players.

O efeito da atividade física no aparelho locomotor do idoso / The effect of physical training on locomotive apparatus in elderly people

Alterações fisiológicas que ocorrem no aparellho locomotor devido ao envelhecimento como perda de massa muscular, perda do equilíbrio corporal, diminuição da massa óssea e osteoartrose causam limitações às atividade da vida diária do idoso, comprometendo sua qualidade de vida e o tornando mais frágil e dependente. Idosos que realizam atividade física periodicamente tem melhor independência funcional e melhor qualidade de vida do que aquele sedentário. Esse artigo aborda as principais alterações fisiológica do processo de envelhecimento e realiza uma revisão da literatura atual sobre os efeitos que o exercício físico causa no aparelho locomotor do idoso, especificando qual a melhor forma de prescrever atividade física nessa faixa etária.

Physiological changes taking place on the locomotive apparatus as a result of aging, such as muscular mass loss, body balance loss, reduced bone mass and osteoarthrosis cause limitations to the daily activities of elderly people, compromising their quality of life and making them weaker and dependent. Aged people who regularly practice physical activities have a higher level of functional independence and a better quality of life than the sedentary ones. This article addresses the key physiological changes with aging and provides a review of current literature about the effects of physical exercises on the locomotive apparatus of elderly individuals, specifying the best ways to prescribe physical exercises to this age group.

Prognostic factors for mortality among patients above the 6th decade undergoing non-cardiac surgery: cares - clinical assessment and research in elderly surgical patients

PURPOSE: To ascertain perioperative morbimortality and identify prognostic factors for mortality among patients >55 years who undergo non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 403 patients relating to perioperative morbidity-mortality. Data were collected from a standardized protocol on gender, age, comorbidities, medications used, smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic use of benzodiazepine, nutritional status, presence of anemia, activities of daily living, American Society of Anesthesiology classification, Detsky's modified cardiac risk index - American College of Physicians, renal function evaluation, pulmonary risk according to the Torrington scale, risk of thromboembolic events, presence of malignant disease and complementary examinations. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 70.8 ± 8.1 years. The "very old" (>80 years) represented 14 percent. The mortality rate was 8.2 percent, and the complication rate was 15.8 percent. Multiple logistic regression showed that a history of coronary heart disease (OR: 3.75; p=0.02) and/or valvular heart disease (OR: 31.79; p=0.006) were predictors of mortality. The American Society of Anesthesiology classification was shown to be the best scale to mark risk (OR: 3.01; p=0.016). Nutritional status was a protective factor, in which serum albumin increases of 1 mg/dl decreased risk by 63 percent. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that serum albumin, coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease and the American Society of Anesthesiology classification could be prognostic predictors for aged patients in a perioperative setting. In this sample, provided that pulmonary, cardiac and thromboembolic risks were properly controlled, they did not constitute risk factors for mortality. Furthermore, continuous effort to learn more about the preoperative assessment of elderly patients could yield intervention possibilities and minimize morbimortality.

Impact of delirium on mortality and cognitive and functional performance among elderly people with femoral fractures

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evolution of cognitive and functional performance and mortality among elderly patients who were delirious during hospitalization due to femoral fracture. STUDY TYPE: Prospective cohort. LOCATION: Orthopedics and Traumatology Institute of HC-FMUSP; geriatric orthopedic ward. PATIENTS: 103 patients, aged 60 years or over, who were hospitalized in the geriatric orthopedics ward with femoral fracture in 2001-2002. Thirty of them (29.1 percent) presented with delirium during their hospital stay and were compared with another 73 (70.9 percent) who did not present with delirium. There were six deaths, and 97 patients were discharged from the hospital. We obtained information on 85 of these patients four years after discharge; 42 patients were still alive and 43 had died at the time of the evaluation. METHODS: Data on vital status was obtained for 85 patients. For the 42 survivors, we acquired information on their basic activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and cognitive performance (BDRS) by means of telephone interview with the same caregivers who had provided information at the time of the hospitalization. We compared this data with that obtained during their hospitalizations four years prior. For the 43 patients who died, we obtained information regarding their deaths and used this data in the analysis of mortality. RESULTS: No relationships were observed between delirium and mortality, delirium and cognitive loss, or delirium and functional loss, after four years from discharge of elderly patients with hip fractures. An initial cognitive deficit was a predictor for mortality (RR = 2.54; p = 0.016), functional loss (OR = 1.80; p = 0.027) and cognitive loss (OR = 1.53; p = 0.024). Cognitive loss was also related to age. CONCLUSIONS: Delirium had no impact on mortality or functional or cognitive losses in long term evolution (2 years) among elderly patients with femoral...

OBJETIVO: Avaliar efeito do delirium na mortalidade e na evolução dos desempenhos cognitivo e funcional em idosos com fratura de fêmur, 4 anos após a alta hospitalar. ESTUDO: coorte, prospectivo. LOCAL: Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do HC-FMUSP; Enfermaria de Ortopedia Geriátrica. PACIENTES: 103 pacientes com 65 anos ou mais, consecutivos, internados em 2001-2002, na enfermaria de ortopedia geriátrica, por fratura de fêmur. 30 idosos (29,1 por cento) apresentaram delirium durante a internação e foram comparados com os 73 que evoluíram sem delirium (30 casos x 73 controles). Houve 6 óbitos, 97 receberam alta hospitalar. O estudo atual mostra reavaliação de 85 desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Dentre os 85 pacientes, temos 43 óbitos e 42 sobreviventes. Foram obtidos dados de atividades básicas de vida diária (ADL), atividades instrumentais de vida diária ( IADL), desempenho cognitivo (Blessed), referentes aos sobreviventes, através de entrevista telefônica com os mesmos cuidadores que forneceram as informações durante a internação . Comparamos esses dados com aqueles de 4 anos atrás (42 pacientes). Dos pacientes que foram a óbito, obtivemos data e causa de óbito. Dados referentes aos 85 pacientes entraram na análise de mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas relações entre delirium e mortalidade, delirium e perda cognitiva, delirium e perda funcional. Déficit cognitivo inicial foi preditor de mortalidade (RR= 2,54 ; p=0,016), perda funcional (OR=1,80; p=0,027) e perda cognitiva(OR=1,53; p=0,024). CONCLUSÕES: Delirium não teve impacto sobre mortalidade e perdas funcional e cognitiva na evolução tardia de idosos com fratura de fêmur. O déficit cognitivo inicial pode identificar pacientes em risco para mortalidade, perda funcional e perda cognitiva futuras em idosos com fratura de fêmur. A fragilidade e heterogeneidade da nossa amostra pode ter atenuado o poder preditor de mau prognóstico do delirium.

Evaluation of the quality of life among elderly female athletes

OBJECTIVE: To analyze quality of life (QOL) in elderly athletes. DESIGN: Transversal, controlled study. METHODS: Female athletes over 60 years who run 15 km, and a control group consisting of 15 healthy, sedentary, women over 60 were studied. Questionnaires on QOL and Depression were applied. RESULTS: Athletes show better functional capa-city (98.8 versus 73.3), less pain (90.6 versus 64.9), better general state of health (86.8 versus 66.8) and better vitality (86.2 versus 67.3). Differences were observed in emotional characteristics (89.6 versus 60.0) and mental health (84.3 versus 68.3), with fewer depressive answers (1.9 versus 3.8). CONCLUSION: Regular physical activity was related to better quality of life.

OBJETIVO: Analisar qualidade em vida de atletas idosas. TIPO DE ESTUDO: Estudo transversal controlado. MÉTODOS: Atletas maiores de 60 anos, que correm 15 km, e grupo controle com 15 mulheres saudáveis, sedentárias foram estudados. Aplicados questionários de qualidade de vida e depressão. RESULTADOS: A capacidade funcional das atletas foi maior (98,8 versus 73,3). As atletas referiram menos dor (90,6 versus 64,9), melhor condição geral de saúde (86,8 versus 66,8), melhor vitalidade (86,2 versus 67,3). Houve diferença no aspecto emocional (89,6 versus 60,0) e saúde mental (84,3 versus 68,3), com menos respostas depressivas (1,9 versus 3,8). CONCLUSÃO: A atividade física regular foi relacionada com melhor qualidade de vida.

Delirium in elderly individuals with hip fracture: causes, incidence, prevalence, and risk factors

OBJETIVOS: Deteminar a incidência, prevalência, fatores de risco e causas de delirium em idosos com fratura de fêmur, e seu impacto sobre mortalidade e permanência hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Cento e três pacientes com 65 anos e mais com fratura de fêmur foram avaliados consecutiva e prospectivamente. Delirium foi diagnosticado usando o Confusion Assessment Method, aplicado diariamente. Todos os pacientes tiveram avaliação geriátrica global e acompanhamento diário por geriatra. RESULTADOS: Trinta (29.1%) pacientes na amostra tiveram diagnóstico de delirium, com prevalência de 16.5% (17/103) e incidência de 12.6% (13/103). Deficits cognitivo e funcional tiveram associação significativa com delirium, mas apenas déficit cognitivo prévio pôde ser considerado fator de risco independente. As causa mais comuns foram drogas e infecções. A permanência hospitalar foi significativamente maior nos pacientes que tiveram delirium (26.27 versus 14.38 days). A mortalidade também foi maior nesses pacientes, embora sem significância estatística.CONCLUSÕES: Delirium é complicação freqüente em idosos internados por fratura de fêmur. Está associado a déficits cognitivo e funcional. Déficit cognitivo é preditor de delirium. Aumenta mortalidade e tempo de internação.

Evolution of Brazilian elderly with hip fracture secondary to a fall / Evolução de idosos brasileiros com fratura de colo de femur secundária à queda

OBJECTIVE: To contribute to fall prevention by studying the epidemiological profile, mortality, and functional evolution of elderly persons with hip fracture, in Brazil, in the year following a fracture. METHOD: Fifty-six elderly patients aged 60 years and over with hip fracture secondary to a fall and admitted in 2000 were included. In addition to the medical record data, patients or their guardians filled a form providing information regarding personal data, history of fall and fracture, physical evaluation, and ability to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living prior to and 1 year after their fracture, using Katz's Index and Lawton's Index, respectively. RESULTS: Fractures were more common among Caucasian widowed women, and most falls occurred at home. General mortality within 1 year after the occurrence of fracture was 30.35 percent and was associated with sex and age. There was an increase in the inability to walk and in the use of a supporting device. A significant reduction in the functional ability to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living was found. CONCLUSION: The evolution of hip fracture in the year following it is related to high mortality and to a decrease in functional ability, with age and male sex being the factors associated with a worse prognosis, emphasizing the need for special follow-up care of these groups during the immediate and late postoperative periods.

OBJETIVO: Estudar o perfil epidemiológico, mortalidade e a evolução funcional, no primeiro ano após a fratura, de idosos com fratura de quadril visando a contribuir para a prevenção de quedas. CASUíSTICA E MÉTODO: Foram estudados 56 pacientes idosos, com 60 anos ou mais, com fratura de quadril decorrente de queda, internados em 2000. Alem dos dados de prontuário, os pacientes ou responsáveis responderam a um questionário, fornecendo informações sobre os dados pessoais, história da queda e da fratura, avaliação física e da capacidade para realização de atividades de vida diárias básicas e instrumentais antes e após um ano da ocorrência da fratura, através dos índices de Katz e de Lawton, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que as fraturas foram mais comuns em mulheres, brancas, viúvas e que a maioria das quedas ocorreu no domicílio. A mortalidade geral após um ano da ocorrência da fratura foi de 30,35 por cento, e associou-se o sexo e idade. Houve aumento de incapacidade para deambular e de utilização de dispositivo de apoio. Houve redução significativa da capacidade funcional para realização das atividades de vida diárias básicas e instrumentais. CONCLUSÃO: A evolução da fratura do quadril no primeiro ano está relacionada a alta mortalidade e queda da capacidade funcional; idade e o sexo masculino são fatores indicadores de pior prognóstico ressaltando a necessidade do acompanhamento especial destes pacientes no pós-operatório imediato e tardio.

O idoso, a morte e o sofrimento / The ageing, the death and the sufferance

A morte e o sofrimento sempre representaram o grande mistério da história humana. O homem é o único animal que sabe que vai morrer e este conhecimento, por si só, já seria causa de sofrimento mesmo que qualquer um de nós não tivesse qualquer outro motivo para sofrer. Assim pois podemos dizer que o sofrimento e a morte são, para todos nós, uma realidade inquestionável e garantida, pelo simples fato de sermos seres humanos. A maneira de se encarar o sofrimento e a morte tem variado continuamente no tempo e no espaço da história humana, a cada século e a cada região