Role of herbs at the crossroads of metabolic syndrome and mental illness

The potential use of herbs in treating and managing comorbidities is emerging. Mental illnesses (MIs) are a widespread cause of distress and dysfunction and substantially impact one's quality of life. While the precise reason for the onset of mental illness is elusive, several chronic health complications, including metabolic syndrome (MetS), affect an individual's well-being. Thus, it is beneficial to identify the intercepts and explore the role of herbs in combating MetS-associated MIs or vice versa. This study explores the relationship between Mets and mental illness and assesses which herbs may have properties that benefit both conditions. The research design and selection process were done among the mental disorder individuals with two sets of keywords and expanded controlled vocabulary phrases, nine databases for systematic literature searches, critical assessment of the papers obtained, and meta-analysis. Our findings suggest that the excess levels of inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein, interleukin, and leptin resistance in MetS strongly correlate with MIs such as depression. The resulting cross-sectional pooled odds ratio was 1.75 (95% CI 1.60-1.92), indicating a strong relationship between Mets and MIs. This study provides an essential theoretical foundation for therapeutic options and prospective intervention methods for comorbid Mets and mental illness. Some herbs have a relevant effect in treating both cases, broadening the breadth of knowledge to guide future research on this topic.

Association between life-course leisure-time physical activity and prostate cancer / Actividad física a lo largo de la vida y su asociación con cáncer de próstata

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the association between life-course leisure-time physical activity (PA) and prostate cancer (PC) among males living in Mexico City. Materials and methods: Information from 394 incident PC cases and 794 population controls matched by age (± 5 years), was analyzed. Using leisure-time PA information at different life stages, life-course PA patterns were constructed. The association between PA and PC was estimated using an unconditional logistic regression model. Results: Three life-course PA patterns were identified: low PA (71.0%), moderate PA (22.0%), and high PA (7.0%); this last pattern was characterized by higher levels and consistent PA practice. Compared with inactive males, those in the high PA pattern (OR: 0.50; 95%CI: 0.26-0.93) had significantly lower PC odds. Conclusion: Intense and regular PA could reduce the possibility of PC. These results are in accordance with PA World Health Organization recommendations.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre la actividad física (AF) en la vida y el cáncer de próstata (CP) en hombres. Material y métodos: Se analizó la AF de 394 casos incidentes de CP y 794 controles poblacionales pareados por edad (± 5 años). Se utilizó la información de AF en diferentes etapas para generar los patrones de AF a lo largo de la vida. La asociación entre AF y CP se estimó mediante regresión logística no condicionada. Resultados: Se identificaron tres patrones de AF: baja (71.0%), moderada (22.0%) y alta (7.0%); este último patrón se caracterizó por una AF consistentemente mayor a lo largo de la vida. Comparado con los hombres inactivos, aquéllos en el patrón de alta AF (RM= 0.50; IC95% = 0.26-0.93) presentaron menos posibilidades de tener CP. Conclusión: El papel protector de la AF parece estar en función de la intensidad y regularidad de su práctica y apoyan las recomendaciones de la OMS.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP): Its relationship with metabolic syndrome and Framingham Risk Score

@#Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Malaysia. Identification of asymptomatic at-risk individuals is often achieved by means of a risk prediction algorithm. Traditional CVD risk factors and their associated algorithms are, however, limited by residual CVD risk. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) has emerged as a novel CVD risk factor. This study aimed to evaluate hsCRP as an adjunct CVD risk marker among the adult Malaysian population by determining its correlation with the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Comparison analyses were done according to sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory factors and between subjects with and without Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Method: This cross-sectional study involved eighty-three (n=83) adults attending a health screening program at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Demographic data, anthropometric measurements and blood samples for fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting lipid profile (FSL), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and hsCRP were taken. Respondents were grouped according toFRSand the Joint Interim Statementinto 10-year CVD risk categories (low, intermediate and high) and MetS, respectively. Results: hsCRP was significantly increased in patients with high body mass index (BMI) (p=0.001), at-risk waist circumference (WC) (p=0.001) and MetS (p=0.009). Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed a significant positive correlation between hsCRP level and total FRS score (r=0.26, p<0.05) and HDL-C score (r=0.22, p<0.05). Conclusion: The significant difference of hsCRP levels across obesity levels and MetS with its modest correlation with FRS scores supported the adjunctive role of hsCRP in CVD risk prediction, most likely capturing the inflammatory pathological aspect and thus partly accounting for the residual CVD risk.

Influence of increased physical activity without body weight loss on hepatic inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND@#Physical activity (PA) that includes an accumulated exercise regimen that meets or exceeds a certain intensity reduces intrahepatic fat, leading to the improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in afflicted patients. However, whether an increase in comprehensive PA, including activities of daily living, contributes to ameliorating the pathophysiology of NAFLD remains unclear. This study aimed to examine whether PA improves liver function in patients with NAFLD.@*METHODS@#The study included 45 patients with NAFLD who underwent follow-up examinations at least 6 months-but no later than 1 year-after their baseline examinations. The patients were interviewed about their daily activities and exercise habits to determine whether they had engaged in at least 3 metabolic equivalents (METs) per day during the previous 6 months; the quantity of PA, expressed in Ekusasaizu (Ex) units, was calculated as METs multiplied by hours. Patients who had achieved at least a 1-Ex increase in PA per week compared to baseline at the time of their follow-up interview (the PA increase group) were compared to those whose PA was the same or lower at the time of follow-up (the PA non-increase group).@*RESULTS@#There were no significant changes in all blood and biochemical parameters in the PA non-increase group at the time of follow-up when compared with baseline levels. In the PA increase group, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-guanosine triphosphate levels were all significantly lower at follow-up than they were at baseline. Body weight did not change significantly from baseline to follow-up in both groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the present study, hepatic inflammation improvement was accompanied by increased PA but not decreased body weight. Increasing PA may be effective for the improvement of hepatic inflammation even without body weight loss. Our results indicate the effectiveness of PA monitoring for the management of NAFLD.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#UMIN-CTR, UMIN000038530.

Exercise intensity during walking football game / 体力科学

Walking football was born in United Kingdom around 2011, that is forbidden to running. In recent years, walking football has become increasingly popular as a sport that diverse people can enjoy together. However, it is not clarified exercise intensity and how they feel after playing walking football. We aimed to determine the intensity when playing walking football and investigated how mood change. Twenty-six men and women (18 males, 8 females) out of those who participated in walking football event agreed to the present study. Heart rate (HR) was measured using wearable device with photoplethysmography when playing walking football. Metabolic equivalents (METs) was assessed using a triaxial accelerometer worn on the waist. McGill pain questionnaire was used to assess pain sites and number. To assess change in mood, short version of physical activity enjoyment scale (sPACES) was used before and after playing walking football. Borg scale was measured before and after walking football. The HR and METs were respectively as follows; male, 111.9 ± 11.4 bpm and 4.3 ± 0.6METs; female, 118.6 ± 16.2 bpm and 4.8 ± 0.7METs. There was no significant difference between men and women in both HR and METs during walking football. The sPACES was indicated significantly positive changes in mood, and Borg scale was significantly increased after playing walking football, without increasing acute or chronic pain. The walking football is safe and moderate-intensity sports and induce positive changes in mood.

Metabolic Syndrome in a Sub-population of Geriatric Nigerians in a Primary Care Clinic of a Tertiary Hospital in South-Eastern Nigeria.

Background: Research studies have shown that age is an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, as eco-demographic structure and function of Nigeria changes, geriatric Nigerians tend to adopt lifestyles that promote the emergence of metabolic syndrome. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated risk factors in a sub-population of geriatric Nigerians in a primary care clinic of a tertiary hospital in South-eastern Nigeria. Study Design: This was a cross sectional study carried out on a sub-population of 225 geriatric Nigerians. Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in the primary care clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Nigeria between May 2012 and October 2012. Methodology: Two hundred and twenty five geriatric patients aged ≥ 60 years were screened for MetS using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria: An Individual was considered to have MetS in the presence of waist circumference ≥94 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women plus any two or more of the following: systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg and/or hypertension on treatment; fasting plasma glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL and/or diabetes mellitus on treatment; triglyceride level ≥150 mg/dL and/or hypertriglyceridaemia on treatment and high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol <40 mg/dL for men or <50 mg/dL for women and/or HDL-C dyslipidaemia on treatment. The data collected included basic demographic and nutri-behavioural variables using structured, pretested and interviewer administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of MetS was 44.0%. MetS was significantly associated with female sex (P=.036), not engaged in any occupation (P=.043), and physical inactivity (P=.001). The most significant predictor of MetS was physical inactivity (P=.001, OR=2.30 (1.08-5.63). The geriatric patients with MetS were two times more likely to be physically inactive compared to their non-MetS counterparts. Conclusion: MetS occurs in a sub-population of geriatric Nigerians in primary care and is associated with female sex, not engaged in any occupation, and physical inactivity. Screening for MetS alongside its determinants should be considered for geriatric Nigerians in primary care.

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome increases through the quartiles of thyroid stimulating hormone in a population-based sample of euthyroid subjects / Prevalência de síndrome metabólica aumenta em quartis de hormônio tireoestimulante em uma amostra de sujeitos eutiroides baseada na população

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its elements in relation to TSH in euthyroid subjects. Materials and methods In the cross-sectional study, 2,153 euthyroid adults, 47.2 ± 14.5 years (20-94) with no current antithyroid or thyroid replacement therapy were enrolled. All participants filled a questionnaire on past and current morbidities, medication and smoking. Body weight, height, waist circumference, serum TSH, glucose and lipids were measured. The subjects were stratified by quartiles of TSH (QTSH) and the prevalence of the MetS elements was calculated. MetS was determined by the IDF 2005 criteria. Results Overweight prevalence was 37.2% (35.2-39.2), obesity in 25.1% (23.3-26.9), abdominal obesity – 61.4% (59.3-63.5), hypertension – 42.1% (38.9-43.1), diabetes/increased fasting glucose – 13.6% (12.1-15), low HDL-cholesterol – 27.6% (25.7-29.5), hypertriglyceridemia – 24.1% (22.3-25.9), MetS – 32.2% (30.2-34.2). MetS was more prevalent in the highest QTSH (34.9%, 30.9-38.9) than the lowest (27%, 23.3-30.9), p < 0.001, as were low HDL-C (32%, 28-35.9 vs. 25%, 21.3-28.7, p < 0.001) and hypertriglyceridemia (26.8%, 23-30.5 vs. 20.4%, 17-23.8, p = 0.015). Each QTSH increased the risk of MetS by 14%, p < 0.001, of hypertriglyceridemia by 20%, p = 0.001 and of low LDL-C by 9%, p = 0.042. Other significant factors for MetS were age, male gender and obesity. Conclusion The prevalence of MetS increased with higher QTSH within the euthyroid range, mostly by an increase in the dyslipidemia. Arq ...

Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência e características da síndrome metabólica (MetS) e seus elementos em relação ao TSH em sujeitos eutireoides. Materiais e métodos Foram analisados, em um estudo transversal, 2.153 adultos eutiroides, de 47,2 ± 14,5 anos (20-94) sem terapia antitiroidiana ou de reposição. Todos os participantes preencheram um questionário sobre doenças atuais e passadas, medicações e tabagismo. O peso corporal, altura, circunferência da cintura, TSH, glicose e lipídios séricos foram medidos. Os sujeitos foram estratificados em quartis de TSH (QTSH) e a prevalência dos elementos da MetS foram calculados. Os critérios da MetS foram determinados pela IDF 2005. Resultados A prevalência de sobrepeso foi de 37,2% (35,2-39,2), de obesidade – 25,1% (23,3-26,9), obesidade abdominal – 61,4% (59,3-63,5), hipertensão – 42,1% (38,9-43,1), diabetes/aumento da glicose de jejum – 13,6% (12,1-15), baixo colesterol HDL – 27,6% (25,7-29,5), hipertrigliceridemia – 24,1% (22,3-25,9), MetS – 32,2% (30,2-34,2). A MetS foi mais prevalente no QTSH mais alto (34,9%; 30,9-38,9) do que no mais baixo (27%; 23,3-30,9), p < 0,001, assim como o baixo HDL-C (32%, 28-35,9 contra 25%, 21,3-28,7; p < 0,001) e hipertrigliceridemia (26,8%; 23-30,5 contra 20,4%, 17-23,8; p = 0,015). Cada QTSH aumentou o risco MetS em 14%, p < 0,001, de hipertrigliceridemia em 20%, p = 0,001 e de baixo LDL-C em 9%, p = 0,042. Outros fatores significativos para a MetS foram idade, sexo masculino e obesidade. ...

Role of Serum Adiponectin, IL-6 and Hs CRP in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Egyptian Patients.

Non alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is accumulation of fat in the liver cells of peoples who drink little or no alcohol causing mild steatosis with mostly no signs, symptoms or complication but this may progress to steatohepatitis (NASH) and may liver cirrhosis then failure. NAFLD is recognized as the most common type of chronic liver disease in Western countries and the leading cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis. Insulin resistance (IR) is a key factor in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, the latter being considered as the hepatic component of IR or metabolic syndrome (MetS). Although the pathogenesis of NAFLD is not fully elucidated, a complex interaction between adipokines and cytokines produced by adipocytes and/or inflammatory cells infiltrating adipose tissue appears to play a crucial role in MetS and NAFLD and its progress. A number of factors are linked with NAFLD such as obesity, type 2 diabetis mellitus (T2DM), hyperlipidemia, gastric bypass, and its progress to NASH correlate with certain cytokines secreted like adiponectin, interlukin-6 (IL-6), and C- reactive protein CRP. Adiponectin is a novel adipocyte-specific protein, which, it has been suggested, plays a role in the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. The role of (IL-6) in liver pathology is very complex, and its participation in the development of NAFLD remains unclear. IL-6 is a key element in the acute phase response, mediating the synthesis of several acute phase proteins (such as CRP and serum amyloid A). Thus, we cannot exclude the possibility that IL-6 might also play an indirect deleterious role in NAFLD pathogenesis. In diet-induced obese mice, treatment with IL-6 antibodies improved sensitivity to insulin. Objective: This study aim is to evaluate the level of adiponectin, IL-6 and CRP in Egyptian patients with NAFLD. Methods: This study was conducted on 2 groups 104 NAFLD as diagnosed by ultrasound examination and 21 healthy participants as control group. All the subjects were subjected to an abdominal ultrasonography, liver enzymes ALT & AST, lipid profile (triglycerides, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, CRP, IL-6 & Adiponectin). Results: Plasma adiponectin levels were significantly lower in NAFLD patients than control gp (3.05±2.65μg/ml vs 10.52±3.35 (μg/ml). IL-6 level was higher in NAFLD than control gp but not significant (114.24±22.32pg/ml vs 104.9±19.98pg/ml). CRP was significantly higher in NAFLD than control gp (17.86±11.59mg/L vs 5.4±3.81mg/L). Adiponectin ROC curve showed an AUROC curve in NAFLD gp (0.918 p=0.0001). IL-6 ROC curve showed an AUROC curve in NAFLD gp (0.703 p=0.0003). CRP ROC curve showed an AUROC curve in NAFLD gp (0.853 p=0.0001). Conclusion: Patients with NAFLD have lower adiponectin levels and higher IL-6 and CRP levels compared with their control group.

Physical Activity Related Risk Factor Assessment for Altered Drug Pharmacokinetics in Human Population.

The study examined the intensity of an individual’s physical activity by using self administered International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form 7 (IPAQ-SF7) as a measuring tool and assessed its impact on the various body physiological functions likely to alter drug pharmacokinetic processes. The study was conducted in normal, subjects inhabited at different regions in India, with the translated versions of IPAQ-SF7 in Hindi and Tamil languages found the high intensities of vigorous, moderate activities and walking and showed excellent reproducibility as similar as it has been studied in different population worldwide. The resting state systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate and respiratory rate were significantly higher in the subjects. The diaphragmatic breathing pattern was found used by majority of the subjects. The energy utilization of the subjects on their physical activity was obtained in high Metabolic Equivalence of Task (METs) minutes per week. Thus significance in the physiological parameters was strong enough to alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs whose metabolism and elimination are primarily dependent on renal function. This results which will be helpful in optimizing and selecting the drug doses for the people under extreme physical activity with less oxygen consumption in muscles, low level of respiratory rates and high energy utilization in their body.

Detención Precoz de Estudios Clínicos Randomizados: ¿Beneficio para los pacientes o para el investigador?: Sobrestimación de resultados, Reglas de Detención y Comités de Monitorización de Datos / Early Detention of Randomized Clinical Studies: Benefit for patients or for the researcher ?: Overestimation of results, Detention Rules and Data Monitoring Committe

Resumen - Los estudios clínicos randomizados detenidos precozmente por beneficio son cada vez más frecuentes en la literatura médica. La detención precoz se fundamenta en la necesidad ética de ofrecer rápidamente una intervención beneficiosa a toda la población en riesgo, especialmente a los pacientes que son parte de grupo control del estudio. A pesar que la detención se fundamenta en análisis que demuestran beneficio estadísticamente significativo, se sabe que los estudios truncados precozmente tienen riesgo de detectar diferencias que realmente no existen. Este fenómeno se produce porque habitualmente estos estudios son de pequeñotamaño muestral y están sustentados en análisis estadísticos repetitivos, realizados a medida que se reclutan los pacientes. El lectordebe ser capaz de detectar estos estudios e identificar las herramientas para disminuir el riesgo de error y sesgo. El objetivo de la presente revisión es dar a conocer las herramientas disponibles para disminuir el riesgo, las estrategias estadísticas para sostener una adecuada detención temprana de un estudio, los comités de monitorización externa de los datos, la evidencia que sustentan estas afirmaciones y las iniciativas que se están llevando a cabo para cuantificar el riesgo y eventualmente ofrecer una solución.(AU)

Early stopping by benefit of randomized clinical studies are increasingly frequent in the medical literature. The early detection is based on the ethical need to quickly provide a beneficial intervention to the entire population at risk, particularly to patients who are part of study control group. Although the arrest was based on analyzes that show statistically significant benefit, it is known that early studies truncated have the risk to detect differences that do not exist. This phenomenon occurs because usually these studies have small sample size and are supported by repetitive statistical analyzes performed as patients are recruited. The reader should be able to detect these studies and identify tools to reduce the risk of error and bias. The aim of this review is to present the tools available to reduce risk, the statistical strategies to sustain an adequate early detection of an external monitoring data study committee, the evidence supporting these statements and initiatives that are being carried out to quantify the risk and eventually offer a solution.(AU)

SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL LOAD OF MOUNTAIN CLIMBING FROM THE RELATION BETWEEN INCLINATION OF WALKING PATH, WALKING SPEED, AND BACKPACK WEIGHT; SIMULATION USING WALKING ON A TREADMILL / 体力科学

We simulated mountain climbing using walking on a treadmill in order to systematically evaluate the physical load during mountain climbing. The conditions of three types of load-(1) inclination of the walking path (walking uphill and downhill), (2) walking speed, and (3) backpack weight-were varied within the range assumed for normal mountain climbing (40 sets of conditions in total). When the three types of load were expressed as vertical work rate, energy expenditure (VO₂) during walking uphill and downhill was distributed along roughly the same curve. The following characteristics of walking uphill and downhill were observed.A. Walking uphillFor all three types of load, increase in load gave a linear increase in VO₂ and heart rate (HR). A lactate threshold (LT) appeared at an intensity of 62%VO_2max, when HR was 78% HR_max. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated for the “Breathlessness” and “Leg Fatigue”, and both of these increased roughly in proportion to %VO_2max.B. Walking downhillWhen walking downhill, VO₂ was 35-50% the intensity of VO₂ when walking uphill on the same slope and at the same speed. Energy expenditure did not exceed 60%VO_2max in any of the load conditions, and no LT was seen. RPE values were higher for walking downhill than walking uphill, even when %VO_2max values were the same. RPE values for the “Leg Fatigue” tended to be higher than for the “Breathlessness” at the same speed in downhill walking.Using these data, we created a table giving the intensity of exercise of mountain climbing expressed as VO₂ per unit body mass and metabolic equivalents (Mets) with vertical migration velocity and total weight (Body weight + Backpack weight) as variables. This table gives mountain climbers a systematic understanding of the physical load under various mountain climbing conditions. It is likely to be of use as a reference for mountain climbers of different levels of physical fitness when practicing mountain climbing appropriate to their individual level. The present results suggest that in downhill walking, it is insufficient to express the physical load in energy expenditure (VO₂ and Mets) alone, and the load on the leg muscles must also be judged using the RPE in the “Leg Fatigue”.

Capacidad funcional y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en trabajadores de una institución universitaria / Relationship between physical capacity and quality of life in university workers / Capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde em trabalhadores de uma instituição universitária

Objetivo: Estudiar la relación entre la capacidad funcional y la calidad de vida relacionada (CVRS) con la salud en un grupo de trabajadores de una institución universitaria. Metodología: Estudio transversal que incluyó 146 trabajadores divididos en dos grupos: Grupo de Baja Capacidad funcional (< 9 METs) y Grupo de Alta Capacidad funcional (> 9,1 METs). Se evaluó la CVRS con el Cuestionario de Salud SF-12 y capacidad funcional con el Cuestionario PAR-PAF como indicadores del estado de salud. Resultados: De la población evaluada, 47,3% (69 sujetos) son hombres y 52,7% (78 sujetos), mujeres. La edad promedio de los grupos fue de 35,0 ± 9,7 años (rango 19,0-60,0 años), sin diferencias entre grupos. Para la CVRS, la media encontrada en la población evaluada fue de 45,2 ± 4,42 (rango 33,0-58,1) y 43,8 ± 6,87 (rango 19,8-43,8) en los componentes Physical Component Summary (PCS-12) y Mental Component Summary (MCS-12), respectivamente p=NS. Diferencias significativas fueron encontradas al comparar la capacidad funcional y el género, p<0,001, por grupos. De igual manera entre géneros y el componente mental MCS-12 (grupo de Baja Capacidad funcional) p=0,049, así como en las mujeres y el componente físico PCS-12, p=0,05, entre grupos. Por último, una mejor puntuación en la CVRS se observa en el grupo de Alta Capacidad funcional en ambos componentes y géneros OR 0.59 (0.25-1.38). Conclusiones: Los resultados de este trabajo demuestran la relación entre una alta capacidad funcional y una mejor CVRS en la población estudiada.

Aim: Examine the relationship between the functional capacity and the quality of life related to health in university workers. Methodology: Cross-sectional study in 146 subjects, divided in two groups: Low functional Capacity (< 9 METs) and High functional Capacity (> 9.1 METs). We evaluated quality of life related to health (HRQOL-Health Questionnaire SF-12) and functional capacity (Questionnaire PAR/PAF) as indicators of health status. Results: 47.3% (69 men) and 52.7% (78 women). The average age of the groups was 35.0 ± 9.7 years (range 19,0-60,0 years). For HRQOL, the average found in the population assessed was 45.2 ± 4.42 (range 33,0-58,1) and 43.8 ± 6.87 (range 19,8-43,8) in components Physical Component Summary (PCS-12) and Mental Component Summary (MCS-12), respectively p = NS. Significant differences were found when comparing functional ability and sex, p<0,001 in both groups. Similarly, sex and mental component MCS-12 (group of Lower Functional) p = 0,049 as well as women and the physical component PCS-12, p = 0,05 between groups. Finally, a better score in HRQL observed in the group of High Capacity and functional components in both sex OR 0.59 (0.25-1.38). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the relationship between High functional Capacity and a better HRQOL in this population.

Objetivo. Estudar a relação entre a capacidade funcional e a qualidade de vida relacionada (CVRS) com a saúde em um grupo de trabalhadores de uma instituição universitária. Metodologia. Estudo transversal que incluiu 146 trabalhadores divididos em dois grupos: Grupo de Baixa Capacidade funcional (< 9 METs) e Grupo de Alta Capacidade funcional (> 9,1 METs). Avalio-se a CVRS com o Questionário de Saúde SF-12 e capacidade funcional com o Questionário PAR-PAF como indicadores do estado de saúde. Resultados. Da povoação avaliada, 47,3% (69 indivíduos) são homens e 52,7% (78 indivíduos), mulheres. A idade meia dos grupos foi de 35,0 ± 9,7 anos (rango 19,0-60,0 anos), sem diferenças entre grupos. Para a CVRS, a meia encontrada na povoação avaliada foi de 45,2 ± 4,42 (rango 33,0-58,1) e 43,8 ± 6,87 (rango 19,8-43,8) nos componentes Physical Component Summary (PCS-12) y Mental Component Summary (MCS-12), respectivamente p=NS. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas ao comparar a capacidade funcional e o gênero, p<0,001, por grupos. De igual maneira entre gêneros e o componente mental MCS-12 (grupo de Baixa Capacidade funcional) p=0,049, assim como nas mulheres e o componente físico PCS-12, p=0,05, entre grupos. Finalmente, uma melhor pontuação na CVRS se observa no grupo de Alta Capacidade funcional em ambos componentes e gêneros OR 0.59 (0.25-1.38). Conclusões. Os resultados deste trabalho demonstram a relação entre uma alta capacidade funcional e uma melhor CVRS na povoação estudada.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY WEIGHT REDUCTION AND INTENSITY OF DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES ASSESSED WITH 3-DIMENSION ACCELEROMETER / 体力科学

We investigated the relationship between body weight reduction and intensity of daily physical activities assessed with 3-dimensional accelerometer during a 3-month exercise program. Twenty-six middle-aged women (58.1±7.4 yrs.) participated in this study. Participants underwent a 90-min endurance exercise intervention once a week, and a 3-dimensionsal accelerometer was attached through the program. Body weight (BW), body mass index, fat mass and percent body fat were reduced significantly (p<0.001), while diastolic blood pressure (p<0.01) and shuttle stamina walking test (p<0.05) improved significantly after the exercise intervention. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between the changes in BW and total activity time (TAT) per day of more than 3METs (TAT≥3METs)(r=−0.580, p<0.01) and TAT≥4METs (r=−0.627, p<0.001). To the contrary, the daily steps and the TAT≥2METs were not related to the changes in BW. After adjusting daily steps, TAT≥3METs (β=−0.630, p<0.01) and TAT≥4METs (β=−0.659, p<0.01) were still significantly related to the changes in BW. These results indicate that weight reduction has a much closer relationship with exercise intensity than daily steps. It is important to keep both quantity and intensity of exercise in the unsupervised exercise program aimed at weight reduction.