Physical activity and sitting time in adults after positive diagnosis for COVID-19: a cross-sectional study / Atividade física e tempo sentado em adultos após diagnóstico positivo para COVID-19: um estudo transversal

This study aimed to: a) investigate the most common signs and symptoms reported by people infect-ed by the COVID-19, b) compare total time and weekly level of physical activity of people between pre- and post-infection period, and c) examine the association between physical activity levels and signs and symptoms reported during the disease cycle. Twenty-two adult people (14 males and 8 females, mean age 37.9 ± 16.8 years) living in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil participated in this study. Par-ticipants received a positive diagnosis for COVID-19 by PCR. Physical activity and sitting time was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Variables such as body mass index and the clinical condition of the disease (signs and symptoms) were collected. The most frequent signs and symptoms reported by active and inactive individuals, respectively, were loss of taste (77.8% and 25%), headache (66.7% and 25%), coughing (66.7% and 25%), difficulty breathing (61.1% and 25%), and sore throat (61.1% and 75%). A 120-minute reduction (p = 0.010) in the total time of weekly physical activity and a 155-minute reduction (p = 0.003) of weekly moderate physical activity was observed in the pre- and post-diagnostic COVID-19 infection comparison. There was further an association between difficulty breathing and being physically inactive (odds ratio = 0.222; 95%CI: 0.094 ­ 0.527). Our findings suggest that COVID-19 had a negative impact on physical activity and that being physically active may reduce the likelihood of presenting with difficulty breathing if infected with the SARS-CoV-2 and associated disease COVID-19

Este estudo teve como objetivo: a) investigar os sinais e sintomas mais comuns relatados por pessoas infectadas por COVID-19, b) comparar o tempo total e o nível semanal de atividade física das pessoas no período pré e pós-infecção, c) examinar a associação entre os níveis de atividade física e os sinais e sintomas relatados du-rante o ciclo da doença. Participaram deste estudo 22 pessoas (14 do sexo masculino e oito do feminino, idade média 37,9 ± 16,8 anos) residentes na cidade de Ribeirão Preto, Brasil. Todos receberam diagnóstico positivo para COVID-19 via PCR. A atividade física e o tempo sentado foram avaliados por meio do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física. Variáveis como índice de massa corporal e o quadro clínico da doença (sinais e sintomas), foram coletadas. Os sinais e sintomas mais frequentes foram perda do paladar (77,8% e 25%), dor de cabeça (66,7% e 25%), tosse (66,7% e 25%), dificuldade para respirar (61,1% e 25%) e dor gar-ganta (61,1% e 75%), para indivíduos ativos e inativos, respectivamente. Uma redução de 120 minutos (p = 0,010) no tempo total de atividade física semanal e de 155 minutos (p = 0,003) de atividade física moderada semanal foi observada na comparação pré e pós-diagnóstico por COVID-19. Houve associação entre dificul-dade para respirar e ser fisicamente inativo (odds ratio = 0,222; IC95%: 0,094 ­ 0,527). Nossos resultados sugerem que a COVID-19 teve impacto negativo na atividade física e que pessoas fisicamente ativas podem reduzir a probabilidade de apresentar dificuldade para respirar quando diagnosticadas por COVID-19

The importance of promoting physical activity and exercise training as adjuvant therapy for people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Aim: This review aimed to provide evidence and highlight the importance of including physical activity (PA) and/or exercise training (ET) as part of the comprehensive multiple sclerosis (MS) care. Methods: Using the current literature on the subject, we provide a brief overview of MS incorporating its definition, common symptoms, prevalence, and potential disease consequences. We further succinctly describe MS as the first line of treatment, as well as the role of PA and ET in the disease. We end the commentary highlighting important recommendations from an international initiative to improve MS-related physical activity research that we believe will help not only improve the area of study but also best practices within this population. Results: There is compelling evidence for the beneficial effects of PA and/or ET on MS-related symptoms and consequently health and quality of life. There is preliminary evidence suggesting the potential for a disease-modifying effect. Conclusion: Fomenting this discussion is timely due to the increased prevalence of MS in different regions of the globe, and people with MS report low levels of PA participation and high amounts of sedentary time. The consequences of inactivity in this population can be drastic. The current body of evidence supports the notion that PA and ET are safe health behaviors that should be adopted as an adjuvant treatment option within the comprehensive and complex MS care due to its benefits on a variety of disease-related symptoms and its potential for improving health and quality of life in this population.

Barriers to physical activity among cancer pediatric cancer patients and survivors: a scoping review

Abstract Aim: The present scoping review aims to provide an overview of barriers to PA reported by pediatric cancer patients undergoing treatment as well as after treatment. This study further aims to describe and discuss the instruments used for assessing barriers in this population. Methods: Article search was performed in common medical databases and yielded five original research articles. Results: The included articles reported barriers to PA that can be grouped into the following categories: individuals, physical, environmental, and treatment. Among the instruments used to assess barriers to PA, it was observed that questionnaires and interviews are commonly adopted. This review underscores a paucity of studies in this area. Conclusion: A comprehensive understanding of barriers to PA in the pediatric cancer population is paramount for the development of tailored strategies and interventions aiming to promote PA in this under-researched group. In addition, future studies must adopt a mixed-methods approach, longitudinal design with specific instruments in the pediatric cancer population.

Outdoor Fitness Zone: utilization pattern, and environmental and individual characteristics associated with the volume of utilization

Abstract Aim: To examine the association between environmental and individual characteristics and utilization pattern of Outdoor Fitness Zones (OFZ) with the volume of utilization of these public spaces in Uberaba, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Data collection was conducted using "in loco" interviews (three different days and times) and direct observation of nine OFZ. Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate prevalence ratios using the volume of utilization higher than 90 min per week as the dependent variable and a collection of socio-demographic, environmental, utilization pattern, and OFZ characteristics as independent variables. Results: Adjusted analysis revealed that volume of utilization higher than 90 min per week of OFZ was associated with a higher prevalence ratio among users utilizing such spaces to meet friends sometimes (PR = 2.43; 1.21-4.90) and always (PR = 3.43; 1.61-7.34) compared to not meeting friends. A lower prevalence ratio was found in users who attend the OFZ only during the week or only weekend days (PR = 0.52; 0.37-0.73) compared to a user who attends both (week and weekends days). OFZ not providing a space for walking or jogging (PR = 0.48; 0.23-0.99) were also associated with a lower prevalence ratio of utilization higher than 90 min per week. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that most individual and environmental characteristics and utilization patterns of the OFZ in the city of Uberaba, MG, Brazil, were not associated with the volume of utilization. Users who meet friends and attend both week and weekend days OFZ that features walking or running trails were associated with a higher volume of utilization.

Prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with sedentary behavior in adolescents from Rio Claro-SP, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores sociodemográficos associados ao comportamento sedentário em adolescentes de Rio Claro-SP - Brazil

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and sociodemographic factors associated with sedentary behavior (SB) situations among adolescents from Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil, namely: (1) obligations; 2) computer/tablet and video game; 3) smartphone; 4) television; 5) total SB. It included 482 teenagers (14.4 ± 2.1 years old) from 3 public and 2 private schools. They were assessed through an identification, clinical history and socioeconomic level questionnaire; Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, with additional questions related to SB and use of smartphones and video games; Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents; and weight and height measurement for Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation (kg/m²). Descriptive analysis was performed, Student's t test was run to compare SB situations and level of physical activity between boys and girls, and logistic regression was carried out to verify the association of the situations with total SB (p <0.05). Results revealed that 47.5% of the adolescents spend more than 14 hours/day on SB (mean of 13.7 ± 3.4 hours/day). The situations associated with total SB were: smartphone (OR=6.23; p<0.001); computer/tablet and video game (OR=2.5; p=0.012); obligations (OR=2.43; p=0.009) and TV (OR=2.35; p=0.009). High SB prevalence was found, but there was no sociodemographic factor associated with this behavior. Additionally, smartphone use presented a greater association with high amount of time for total SB.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a prevalência, os fatores sociodemográficos e o comportamento sedentário (CS) associados as situações do CS (1) obrigações; 2) computador/tablet e videogame; 3) smartphone; 4) televisão; 5) CS total) de adolescentes de Rio Claro-SP. Participaram do estudo 482 adolescentes (14,4±2,1 anos) de 3 escolas públicas e 2 particulares, avaliados por um questionário de identificação, anamnese clínica e nível socioeconômico; Questionário de Comportamento Sedentário, com questões adicionais relacionadas ao CS e o uso de smartphones e videogames; Questionário de Atividade Física Habitual para Adolescentes; e mensuração do peso e estatura para o cálculo de Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) (kg/m²). Realizou-se análise descritiva, teste t de Student para comparar as situações de CS e nível de atividade física entre meninos e meninas e regressão logística para verificar a associação das situações com o CS total (p<0,05). Identificou-se que 47,5% dos adolescentes permanecem mais de 14 horas/dia em CS (média de 13,7±3,4 horas/dia). As situações associados ao CS total foram: smartphone (RO=6,23; p<0,001); computador/tablet e videogame (RO=2,5; p=0,012); obrigações (RO=2,43; p=0,009) e televisão (RO=2,35; p=0,009). Relatou-se alta prevalência de CS, porém não houve nenhum fator sociodemográfico associado com esse comportamento. Adicionalmente, o uso do smartphone apresentou maior associação com o alto tempo de CS total.

Effectiveness of exercise and health education interventions in Brazilian primary health care

Abstract AIM This study examined the effectiveness of two different behavioral change interventions to improve Physical Activity (PA) and to reduce Sedentary Behavior (SB) in a primary health care setting. METHODS This quasi-experimental study recruited and enrolled 31 users of a primary health care unit of the Brazilian Unified Health System aged 18 or more. Participants were allocated into two groups: Physical Exercise Group combined with Health Education (EHE) and Health Education Group (HE). The EHE group participated in 60 minutes of exercise, twice a week, and 20 minutes of counseling. The HE group participated in 40 minutes of counseling, once a week. Both programs were conducted for over 18 weeks. PA levels were self-reported (IPAQ) and PA and SB were objectively (accelerometer) assessed before and after the intervention period. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis with generalized estimating equations adopting p<0.05 for significance. Also, the individual PA and SB deltas were computed. Improvements in PA and SB were observed for both interventions (p<0.05). RESULTS Both groups increased the minutes of weekly leisure PA (p=0.006), time spent in light (p=0.003), and moderated-to-vigorous (p=0.042) PA and decreased the amount of SB, with a significant decrease in the HE group (p=0.010). Delta analyses further demonstrated the effectiveness of the interventions to increase PA in other domains (i.e., transportation, household) and maintenance of occupational PA. CONCLUSION Behavioral change interventions in the primary health care context involving exercise and counseling seem to be effective in improving PA and SB in adults.

Effects of acute physical exercise and television viewing on mood in older active women

Aim: Due to the increased prevalence of mood disorders and the detrimental effects of sedentary behavior on health, a better understanding of the association between physical exercise (PE), TV viewing and mood in older adults is paramount. This is based on the fact that mood has been recognized as an important predictor of longevity, well-being, and quality of life. This study examined the effects of an acute bout of physical exercise (PE) and television viewing (TV) on positive and negative mood states of older active women. Methods: Fifty-four women aged 60 years and older were asked to complete the Abbreviated and Illustrated Mood States Inventory (LEA-RI) before and immediatly after two distinct activities: 1) single bout of PE; and 2) a single bout of TV. Participants further completed questionnaires to provide information on demographics, physical activity and sedentary behavior for sample characterization. Differences between conditions (PE and TV) on positive and negative mood state were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA followed by paired sample t-test adopting a significance level of P<.05. Results: Positive mood states significantly increased for the PE (P=0.001) but not for the TV condition (P=0.388). Negative mood states significantly increased for the PE condition (P=0.003) but significantly reduced for the TV condition (P=0.011). Conclusions: The findings suggest that a single bout of PE may be more beneficial to improve positive mood compared to a single bout of TV. However, the TV may be able to reduce negative mood in older active women.(AU)

Brazilian physical activity guidelines as a strategy for health promotion / Diretrizes brasileiras para atividade física como estratégia de promoção da saúde

Public health actions endorsed by the federal government, for instance, health promotion initiatives, usually have greater impact at population level compared to other types of initiatives. This commentary aims to instigate debate on the importance and necessity of producing federally endorsed brazilian physical activity guidelines as a strategy for health promotion.

Ações de saúde pública sancionadas pelo governo, como iniciativas de promoção da saúde, normalmente apresentam maior impacto em nível populacional. O objetivo deste comentário é instigar o debate sobre a importância e a necessidade de desenvolver diretrizes brasileiras de atividade física como estratégia de promoção da saúde.

Concordância entre o Questionário de Estágio de Mudança de Comportamento e IPAQ / Concordancia entre el Internado Cuestionario cambio de comportamiento y IPAQ / Concordance between Stages of Behavior Change Questionnaire and IPAQ

A low rate of physical activity (PA) participation is observed worldwide. The identification of feasible and reliable instruments able to accurately measuring PA and help in the development of interventions to promote PA are necessary. This study aimed to analyze the concordance between the Stages of Behavior Change Questionnaire (SBCQ) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ long-version) in assessing adult leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). A total of 1.588 adults completed the IPAQ to assess LTPA and the participants who performed more than 10 min/week were classified in active individuals. Using the SBCQ, active individuals were those classified in the action or maintenance stage and inactive individuals were those classified in the precontemplation, contemplation or preparation stage. The concordance between SBCQ and IPAQ was found to be 0.80. Separated by gender, it was observed a concordance between the two instruments of 0.82 for women, and 0.77 for men. Regarding age group, it was found to be 0.81 for young and middle-aged adults, and 0.77 for older people. The SBCQ presented a very good concordance with IPAQ to assess LTPA.

Devido à baixa prática de atividade física no mundo, identificar instrumentos que possam avaliar o nível de (AF), além de necessário, podem ajudar no desenvolvimento de intervenções para promoção da AF. Objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a concordância entre o Questionário de Estágio de Mudança de Comportamento (QEMC) e o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ-versão longa) em avaliar o tempo de atividade física no lazer (AFL). Para avaliar o nível de AFL, 1.588 adultos responderam IPAQ e participantes que realizaram mais de 10 min/ sem foram classificados como ativos. Através do QEM os indivíduos foram classificados no estágio de ação ou manutenção e os inativos classificados no precontemplação, contemplação ou preparação. Concordância entre QEMC e o IPAQ foi 0,80, para as mulheres de 0,82, homens 0,77, adultos e adultos meia idade 0,81 e idosos 0,77. QEMC apresentou boa concordância com IPAQ para avaliar a AFL.

Existe la necesidad de identificar los instrumentos que permitan evaluar el nivel de actividad física (AF) y ayudar a desarrollar intervenciones para promover la AF, debido a la práctica bajo PA en el mundo. Objetivo fue analizar la correlación entre el cuestionario Stage Cambio de Comportamiento (CSCC) y el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ versión larga) para evaluar el tiempo de actividad física de ocio (AFO). 1588 adultos respondieron IPAQ para evaluar el nivel de AFO y los participantes que realicen más de 10 min / semana fueron clasificados como activos. A través de los temas CSCC se clasificaron en la etapa de acción y mantenimiento inactivo o clasificado en precontemplación, contemplación o preparación. Acuerdo entre el IPAQ y CSCC fue de 0,80. Para las mujeres 0,82, 0,77 los hombres, adultos y adultos de mediana edad y adultos mayores 0,81 0,77. CSCC mostró buen acuerdo con IPAQ para evaluar la AFO.

Methods for assessing physical activity: a systematic review focused on older adults / Métodos de avaliação de atividade física: uma revisão sistemática focada em idosos

Among the large array of instruments for measuring physical activity (PA), the use of questionnaires, pedometers, and accelerometers with older adults is frequent. This study aimed to analyze the most widely adopted protocol for each instrument that is most commonly used to assess PA in older adults, and explore possible advantages and disadvantages of the methods used for these instruments. Thereby, we performed a search in databases and cross references of the articles selected. This procedure yielded in 16 studies being included. The in-depth analyzed studies demonstrate that questionnaires are usually applied either as an interview or self-administered, assessing the domains of leisure, sports, and household chores with a recall period of a typical week in the last month. Regarding pedometers and accelerometers, the length of time considered to be sufficient for data collection is five days. The devices are frequently used on the waist or hip with a belt or attached to clothing and removed only for water activities or during sleeping time. The use of either instrument should take into account the advantages and disadvantages that influence choosing one over the other, such as the number of participants to be evaluated, the time available for assessment, among others. The use of accelerometer along with PA questionnaire may yield more reliable and accurate measurements of PA level. In addition, it is recommended that, for older adults, questionnaires should be applied employing the interview format, in order to minimize possible misinterpretation of the questions.

Dentre os diferentes instrumentos para medida da atividade física, o uso de questionários, pedômetros e acelerômetros na população idosa é algo bastante frequente. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar, dentre os instrumentos de medida da atividade mais utilizados em idosos, o protocolo mais adotado para cada instrumento e explorar possíveis vantagens e desvantagens dos métodos utilizados para o mesmo instrumento. Para tanto, efetuou-se uma busca em bases de dados, além de referências cruzadas dos artigos selecionados, dos quais foram selecionados 16 estudos. Os estudos analisados demonstram que questionários normalmente são aplicados em forma de entrevista ou autoadministrado, avaliando os domínios de lazer, esporte e atividades domésticas, com tempo de recordação de uma semana típica do último mês. Já em relação aos pedômetros e acelerômetros, 5 dias têm sido considerados suficientes para a coleta de dados. Os aparelhos são frequentemente utilizados na cintura ou quadril com uma cinta ou preso à roupa, e retirados apenas quando os idosos forem realizar atividades aquáticas ou dormir. A utilização de um ou outro instrumento deve levar em conta as vantagens e desvantagens que influenciarão na escolha do mesmo, como número de participantes a serem avaliados, tempo disponível para avaliação, entre outros. A utilização de acelerômetro juntamente com a aplicação de um questionário de AF pode ceder medidas mais confiáveis e precisas quanto ao nível de AF, porém recomenda-se que em idosos os questionários sejam realizados sob a forma de entrevista, a fim de minimizar possíveis erros de interpretação das questões.

Efeitos de três modalidades de atividade física na capacidade funcional de idosos / Efectos de tres modalidades de actividad física en la capacidad funcional de adultos mayores / Effects of three methods of physical activity in functional ability of elderly

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar e comparar os efeitos de três modalidades de atividade física: atividade física geral, dança e musculação, na capacidade funcional de idosos. A amostra foi composta por 94 idosos com idade média de 64,06 ± 7,38 anos, que participavam do PROFIT. Para a avaliação foi utilizada a bateria de testes da AAHPERD, da qual se obtém os níveis de flexibilidade, coordenação, agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico, resistência de força e resistência aeróbia geral, antes e após quatro meses de intervenção. Os resultados apontaram de uma maneira geral uma manutenção nos níveis dos componentes da capacidade funcional. Os participantes do grupo atividade física geral obtiveram melhora dos resultados nos componentes: resistência de força, agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico. Pode-se concluir que a prática de atividade física regular e sistematizada, independentemente da modalidade, pode ter influência positiva no desempenho funcional de idosos, podendo preservar sua independência e autonomia.

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the effects of three types of physical activity: general physical activity, dance and weight training, in functional capacity in elderly. The sample included 94 seniors with a mean age of 64.06 ± 7.38 years, who participated in PROFIT. For the evaluation we used the battery of test from AAHPERD, which checks the levels of flexibility, coordination, agility and dynamic balance, strength endurance and general endurance before and after four months of intervention. The results indicated a maintained in the levels of functional components. The participants general physical activity group had better results on the components: strength endurance, agility and dynamic balance. It can be concluded that the practice of regular physical activity and systematized, regardless of the type may have a positive influence on the functional performance of elderly and can preserve their independence and autonomy.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar y comparar los efectos de actividad física generalizada, danza y musculación en la capacidad funcional de adultos mayores. La muestra consistió en 94 adultos mayores con promedio de edad de 64,06 ± 7,38 años, participantes en el PROFIT. Para la evaluación se utilizó de la batería de testes de la AAHPERD, la cual se puede obtener los niveles de flexibilidad, coordinación, agilidad y equilibrio dinámico, resistencia de fuerza y resistencia general, antes y después de cuatro meses de intervención. Los resultados mostraron una manutención en los niveles de los componentes funcionales. Lo grupo de actividad física general tuvieron mejores resultados en la resistencia de fuerza, agilidad y equilibrio dinámico. Se conclui que la práctica de actividad física regular y sistematizada, independiente dela modalidad, puede tener una influencia positiva en el desempeño funcional de los adultos mayores y pueden preservar su independencia y autonomía.

Dança e envelhecimento: uma parceria em movimento / Dance and aging: a partnership in movement

O trabalho com a dança dentro do Programa de Atividade Física para a Terceira Idade (PROFIT realizado na UNESP) Universidade Estadual Paulista teve início em 1997 e constitui até hoje uma atividade física regular para idosos. Desde o inicio, os praticantes da Dança trabalham a capacidade funcional por meio de coreografias, exigindo assim orientação têmporo-espacial, além dos benefícios já comprovados pelo uso da música. De lá pra cá, a vivência com a dança tornou-se forte aliado para a promoção de saúde, através da aprendizagem de uma variedade de movimentos e ritmos diferentes. Hoje além do trabalho motor, dos ritmos variados e montagem coreográfica, as aulas propiciam aos 30 idosos, consciência corporal, prática mental e ritmo. As aulas são dividas em alongamento e aquecimento inicial, parte principal (onde são estimulados os componentes da capacidade funcional) e finalizam com alongamento e volta à calma. O programa de dança criou oportunidades aos alunos do curso de Educação Física à prática pedagógica e permitiu o desenvolvimento de pesquisas sobre a relação envelhecimento e atividade física através da dança. São inúmeros os resultados publicados, corroborando com a literatura científica sobre os benefícios da prática regular de dança.

The dance content in Physical Activity Program for third age (PROFIT carried out at UNESP) São Paulo State University has begun in 1997 and is until nowadays a regular physical activity practice to elderly. Since beginnings the dance practitioners work with functional capacities through choreographies, claiming the spatial-time orientation, besides the benefits already proved by music uses. Since then, life with dance became a strong way to promote health, trough learning a variety of movements and different rhythms. Today, about 30 elderly advantages besides motor part, dance classes favor body consciousness, mental practice and rhythm. The classes are divided in warm up and stretching phase, principal phase (witch components of functional capacity are stimulated) and finalize with cool down phase. The dance program created to physical educations undergraduate students? opportunities to pedagogical practice and permitted researches development about aging and its relation to physical activity through dance. There are a lot of published results, collaborating with the scientific literature about the benefits of dance regular practices.

Atividade física, qualidade de vida e medicamentos em idosos: diferenças entre idade e gênero / Physical activity, quality of life and medication in aging: differences between age and gender

Estudos têm demonstrado uma relação inversa entre nível de atividade física (NAF), qualidade de vida (QV) e uso de medicamentos em envelhecimento. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar possíveis relações e diferenças entre NAF, QV, e uso de medicamentos,em idosos. Para tanto, 192 idosos foram selecionados por amostragem aleatória estratificada por setores censitários. Foram utilizados: a) Questionário Baecke Modificado para Idosos; b) Questionário Genérico para Avaliação da Qualidade de Vida – SF36 e c) QuestionárioSócio Demográfico e de Saúde. A análise estatística incluiu estatística descritiva e testes paramétricos e não-paramétricos, adotando p<0,05. Como resultados: a) Em relação à idade, a análise estatística apontou diferença estatisticamente significativa somente para NAF entre os grupos, sendo que G1 (60 – 69 anos) apresentou maior nível de atividade que os demais; b) Em relação ao gênero, independente de faixa etária, observou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa na QV e no uso de medicamentos, com os homens percebendo melhor QV e fazendo menor uso de medicamentos; c) Em relação ao gênero, porém dentro de cada faixa etária, foram observadas diferenças no NAF, QV e no uso de medicamentos, todas favoráveis aos homens, em faixas etárias específicas. Conclui-se, de maneira geral, em idosos: a) o NAF é baixo, diminui ainda mais em faixas etárias mais avançadas e é mais elevado em homens que em mulheres na primeira década da velhice e; b) homens percebem melhor QV e fazem menor uso de medicamentos comparados com as mulheres.

Studies have shown an inverse relationship between physical activity level (PAL), quality of life (QoL) and use of medications in the elderly. The objective of this study was to analyze possible relationships and differences between PAL, QoL and use of medications in the elderly. A total of 192 subjects (≥ 60 years) were selected by stratified random sampling according to census sector. The following assessment instruments were used: a) Modified Baecke Questionnairefor older adults, b) Medical Outcomes Study – 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and c) Sociodemographic and Health Factors Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and parametric and nonparametric tests were used (p<0.05). a) With respect to chronological age, significant differences between groups were only observed for PAL, with G1 (60-69 years) being more active than the other groups. b) With respect to gender irrespective of age, analysis showed a difference in QoL and in the number of medications, with men reporting better perceived QoL and using fewer medications. c) With respect to gender but considering chronological age, differences in PAL, QoL and medication use were observed between genders for specific age groups. In conclusion,in the elderly a) PAL is low, declines even more during advanced age and is higher in men than in women during the first decade of old age, and b) men report better perceived QoL and use fewer medications than women.

Capacidade aeróbia de ratos alimentados com dieta rica em frutose / Aerobic capacity of rats fed with fructose rich diet

INTRODUÇÃO: Evidências apontam que a ingestão exacerbada de frutose pode desencadear distúrbios característicos da síndrome metabólica. OBJETIVOS: Analisar os efeitos da ingestão de dieta rica em frutose sobre aspectos metabólicos de ratos da linhagem Wistar. Adicionalmente, verificar a capacidade aeróbia através da identificação da máxima fase estável de lactato (MFEL). MÉTODOS: Dezesseis ratos foram separados em dois grupos de oito animais: a) controle, alimentados com dieta balanceada, e b) frutose, alimentados com dieta rica em frutose. Foram analisadas a tolerância à glicose (área sob a curva de glicose durante teste de tolerância à glicose), sensibilidade à insulina (taxa de remoção da glicose sérica após sobrecarga exógena de insulina), perfil lipídico sérico e concentração de lactato sanguíneo [lac]s durante exercício na intensidade da MFEL. RESULTADOS: Teste t não pareado (p < 0,05) revelou diferença para a tolerância à glicose e triglicérides, porém não houve diferença na sensibilidade à insulina e na [lac]s. Anova one way com post hoc de Newman-Keuls (p < 0,05) revelou diferença para a cinética da glicose durante o teste de tolerância, mas não para a cinética do lactato durante exercício na MSSL. CONCLUSÃO: As Alterações fisiológicas provocadas pela dieta rica em frutose e inerentes à síndrome metabólica não prejudicam a capacidade aeróbia de ratos.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence points that exacerbated ingestion of fructose may trigger disturbs characteristic of the metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of a fructose rich diet on metabolic aspects of Wistar lineage rats. Additionally, to verify the aerobic capacity, through the identification of the maximal lactate steady state (MSSL). PROCEDURES: Sixteen rats were separated in two groups of eight animals: a) Control, fed a balanced diet, and b) fructose, fed a fructose-rich diet. The glucose tolerance, (area under serum glucose during a glucose tolerance test), insulin sensibility (glucose disappearance rate after exogenous insulin administration), serum lipid profile and blood lactate concentration [lac]b during exercise at MSSL intensity, have been analyzed. RESULTS: Non-paired t test (p<0.05) revealed difference between groups in the area under the curve of glucose and serum triglycerides, no difference in insulin sensibility or in [lac]b was detected, though. One-way ANOVA with Newman Keuls post hoc revealed difference in the glucose kinetics during tolerance test, but not in the lactate kinetics during the MSSL. CONCLUSION: The physiological alterations promoted by fructose-rich diet and intrinsic to the metabolic syndrome do not harm the aerobic capacity of rats.