Trayectorias activistas de mujeres mayores en el chile postdictadura / Trajetórias ativistas de mulheres idosas na pós-ditadura do chile / Activist trajectories of older women in post-dictatorship chile

Resumen: La vejez de las mujeres mayores suele ser descrita como una etapa en la que se vivencian múltiples cambios y pérdidas, donde se acrecientan las discriminaciones de género. Sin embargo, poco se ha explorado la experiencia biográfica al envejecer. En este artículo, identificamos como construyen narrativamente trayectorias de acción política mujeres mayores activistas de la Agrupación Bordadoras por la Memoria de la ciudad de Valparaíso-Chile. Realizamos un estudio cualitativo con entrevistas biográficas siguiendo la propuesta de relatos de vida. Sus itinerarios biográficos dan cuenta de un continuum en su acción política y un cuestionamiento al sistema neoliberal. Por medio de sus bordados, contribuyen a la lucha por la memoria y la justicia social. Resignifican su activismo en la vejez, incluyendo nuevos repertorios de acción y proyectos, mediante prácticas de sororidad. Concluimos la importancia de disputar la vejez desde el ciclo vital convencional, dando cabida a trayectorias femeninas agencializadas.

Resumo: A velhice das mulheres idosas é muitas vezes descrita como uma época de múltiplas mudanças, perda e maior discriminação de género. No entanto, pouco tem sido explorado sobre a experiência biográfica do envelhecimento. Neste artigo, identificamos como as mulheres ativistas mais velhas da "Agrupación Bordadoras por la Memoria" na cidade de Valparaíso-Chile constroem trajetórias narrativas de ação política. Realizámos um estudo qualitativo com entrevistas biográficas na sequência da proposta de narrativas de vida. Os seus itinerários biográficos mostram uma continuidade na sua ação política e um questionamento do sistema neoliberal. Através dos seus bordados, elas contribuem para a luta pela memória e justiça social. Dão novo significado ao seu ativismo na velhice, incluindo novos repertórios de ação e projetos, através de práticas de irmandade. Concluímos que é importante contestar a velhice do ciclo de vida convencional, criando espaço para trajetórias femininas agencializadas.

Abstract: Old age among older women is usually described as a stage in which multiple changes, losses and gender discrimination are experienced. However, little has been explored about the biographical experience of aging. In this article, we identify how older women activists of the Agrupación Bordadoras por la Memoria in the city of Valparaíso, Chile, narratively construct trajectories of political action. We conducted a qualitative study with biographical interviews following proposal of life narratives. Their biographical itineraries show a continuum in their political action and a questioning of the neoliberal system. Through their embroideries, they contribute to the struggle for memory and social justice. They re-signify their activism in old age, including new repertoires of action and projects, through practices of sorority. We conclude the importance of disputing old age from the conventional life cycle, making room for agentialized feminine trajectories.

Does resistance training improve body image satisfaction among the elderly? A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate whether body image satisfaction improves with practice in resistance training in elderly women. METHODS: Forty women were selected and randomly divided into an untrained group (UN) group and a group trained in resistance exercises (RT). To evaluate body image satisfaction, the silhouette matching task was used. RESULTS: No differences were found between current (5.45±0.24) and ideal (4.7±0.12) silhouettes in the RT group. However, the UN group showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between current (10.4±0.43) and ideal (5.6±0.26) silhouettes. The current silhouette was significantly different between the UN and RT groups (p<0.002). However, the ideal silhouette value did not differ between them. Body satisfaction was present in 90% of the participants in the RT group, and the difference was 15% less than that in the UN group (x2 test, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Resistance training in elderly women can promote satisfaction with their body image.

Resiliência entre mulheres idosas e sua associação com o bem-estar espiritual e o apoio social / Resilience among older women and its association with spiritual well-being and social support

Este estudo descritivo observacional objetiva investigar o nível de resiliência entre mulheres idosas e sua associação com bem-estar espiritual e apoio social. A população constituiu-se de 241 mulheres. Os instrumentos aplicados foram: questionário para identificação de dados sociodemográficos; escala de resiliência; escala de apoio social e escala de bem-estar espiritual. A correlação entre o escore de cada escala e sua respectiva dimensão é indicada pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Para medir as associações entre resiliência, bem-estar espiritual e apoio social, foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada no programa IBM SPSS 20.0. Os resultados indicaram que 50,2% das idosas apresentam alto bem-estar espiritual, enquanto 75,9% demonstraram alto apoio social e 79,7% apresentaram alto nível de resiliência. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre bem-estar espiritual e resiliência, e uma relação de dependência entre as escalas de resiliência e de apoio social. A associação entre resiliência e idade não foi significativa (p=0,137). Essas constatações demonstram que embora a vida tenha adversidade, o bem-estar espiritual e o apoio social fortalecem a resiliência. (AU)

This observational descriptive study aims at investigating the level of resilience among older women and its association with spiritual well-being and social support. The population consisted of 241 women. The instruments applied were: questionnaire to identification of sociodemographic data; resilience scale; social support scale and spiritual well-being scale. The correlation between the score of each scale and its respective dimension is indicated by the Spearman correlation coefficient. To measure the associations between resilience, spiritual well-being and social support, chi-square test was used. The statistical analysis of the data was done in the IBM SPSS 20.0. The results indicated that 50.2% of older women present highspiritual well-being, while 75.9% demonstrated high social support and 79.7% presented high level of resilience. It was found a positive association between spiritual well-being and resilience, and a dependence relation between the resilience and social support scales. The association between resilience and age wasn´t significant (p=0.137). These findings demonstrate that although life has its adversities, the spiritual well-being and social support strengthen the resilience. (AU)

Prevalência de Sobrepeso e Obesidade em Idosas do Centro de Convivência para a Terceira Idade de Vitória/ES / Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Aged Women from the Community Center for the Elderly in Vitória, ES, Brazil

Introdução: A senescência provoca alterações nas características morfofuncionais do indivíduo, bem como uma série de desordens nutricionais como sobrepeso e obesidade. Objetivo: O estudo avaliou a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em idosas dos Centros de Convivência para a Terceira Idade de Vitória/ES. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado estudo de campo transversal e a amostra de conveniência foi composta por 135 idosas entre 60 e 79 anos. Foram mensuradas a massa corporal, estatura e dobras cutâneas para verificação do índice de massa corpórea (IMC) e percentual de gordura corporal (%GC), respectivamente. Para a comparação das características antropométricas entre os grupos etários de idosas foi utilizado o teste "t" de Student para amostras independentes. As prevalên-cias de sobrepeso e obesidade foram analisadas por meio do teste do qui-quadrado. O nível de significância adotado foi 5%. Resultados: Os resultados, com base no IMC, demonstram alta prevalência de obesidade (28% e 22% nos grupos etários de 60 a 69 e 70 a 79 anos, respectivamente) e sobrepeso (19% e 17% nos grupos etários de 60 a 69 e 70 a 79 anos, respectivamente), representando conjuntamente 42,96% de prevalência de excesso de peso na população estudada. Os resultados do %GC mostram alta prevalência de idosas agrupadas na classificação "ruim" e "muito ruim", representando 33% em ambos os grupos etários. Conclusão: O estudo mostra alta prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade nas idosas, reforçando a necessidade de implementação de programas de reeducação alimentar e atividade física destinados à redução de gordura corporal. (AU)

Introduction: Senescence alters the morpho-functional characteristics of the individual as well as do a number of nutritional disorders, such as overweight and obesity. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of overweight and obesity among aged women from the Community Center for the Elderly in Vitória, ES, Brazil. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was performed and a convenience sample was composed of 135 women aged between 60 and 79 years. Body weight, height and skinfold were recorded in order to check body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat (%BF), respectively. T test for independent samples was used to compare the anthropometric characteristics among age groups. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was analyzed using the chi-square test. The level of significance was 5%. Results: BMI values showed a high prevalence of obesity (28% and 22% in the age groups 60-69 and 70-79 years, respectively) and overweight (19% and 17% in the age groups 60-69 and 70 to 79 years, respectively), which consist together of an overweight prevalence of 42.96% in the studied population. The %BF results showed a high prevalence of elderly classified into the "poor" and "very poor" categories, representing 33% of the sample in both age groups. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among aged women from the Community Center for the Elderly in Vitória, ES, which reinforces the need for implementation of nutritional and physical activity programs for body fat reduction. (AU)

A reflection on gender issues in elder abuse research: Brazil and Portugal / Uma reflexão sobre questões de gênero na pesquisa de abuso de idosos: Brasil e Portugal

Abstract Neglect, abuse and violence against older women has not been a prominent focus of elder abuse research. This is in spite of the fact that from an international human rights perspective this is considered a gap in policy and practice addressing abuse across the lifespan. A review of the literature reveals three dominant paradigms for studying older women and abuse, all of which have the potential for marginalizing older women’s experiences and needs. An emergent human rights perspective is discussed as a more holistic framework for understanding abuse of older women and ways of addressing this from an international perspective. Examples of research from Brazil and Portugal are reviewed and discussed.

Resumo Negligência, abuso e violência contra mulheres mais velhas não tem sido um foco importante de pesquisa do abuso de idosos. Isto é, apesar do fato de que a partir de uma perspectiva internacional dos direitos humanos isso é considerado uma lacuna em políticas e práticas abordando abuso no decorrer da vida. Uma revisão da literatura revela três paradigmas dominantes para estudar as mulheres mais velhas e abusos, os quais têm o potencial para marginalizar experiências e necessidades das idosas. Uma perspectiva emergente de direitos humanos é discutida como um quadro mais holístico para a compreensão de abuso de mulheres mais velhas e formas de lidar com isso em uma perspectiva internacional. Exemplos de pesquisa do Brasil e Portugal são revistos e discutidos.

Survey on Ethical Cognition Regarding to Acceptance of the Test-Tube Baby Technology in Older Women / 中国医学伦理学

Objective:To study the cognitive characteristics of older women about the ethical issues and stipula-tion of test-tube baby technology. Methods:A survey was undertaken with 203 female patients, who were ran-domly selected from three hospitals in Xi′an accepted test-tube baby technology. The basic characteristics and ethical cognition regarding embryos, offspring, and informed consent were included in the questionnaire. Results:Female over 40 had a statistical significant higher score on the cognition of offspring (12. 48 ± 3. 08) and informed consent (13. 27 ± 2. 31) related ethical issues comparing to other age group (P<0. 05). Age, educational status, monthly income were statistically positive related to the scores of the Ethical Cognitive Scale ( P<0 . 05 ) . Conclu-sion:Older women paid more attention to medical risks and policy rules to test-tube baby. And they had a strong aspiration to obtain a child through surrogacy. For older women with low education, low-income, the ethical cog-nition was not ideal, hospitals should pay attention to the use of modern multimedia to help patients better under-stand related ethical issues in test-tube baby.

Effect of three months of periodized hydrogymnastics exercise program on urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline in older women

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the effect of three months of periodized hydrogymnastics exercise program on urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline in older women. Subjects and methods Twenty-six subjects were randomly assigned in two, intervention group (n = 16) and control group (n = 10). The intervention group followed 12-week of periodized hydrogymnastics training program five times a week, 50 minutes of water exercise with work heart rate reserve of 40-50% (1-6thweek) increasing the load to 50-60% (7-12th week); the control group was not involved in exercise and remained sedentary. The urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline was evaluated by high resolution liquid chromatography using the reactive immulite pyrilinks-D siemens medical solutions, pretest at the baseline and at the end post-test of the 12-week of water-exercise. As statistical analyses mixed 2 x 2 ANOVA was used, also percentage changes (Δ %) was calculated. Results The results did not show significant improvement (p < 0.05) comparing the interaction intergroup and the measurements of urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline (p = 0.504), percentage change (Δ %) showed positive improvements in the experimental group of -13.7 (nM/mMcreatine) in comparison with -7.1 (nM/mMcreatine) from the control group. Conclusion The present study involves periodization increasing the load heart rate reserve of hydrogymnastics exercise in order to produce grater adaptations, but the results showed than is not possible to infer that hydrogymnastics is effective in increase urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline in older women, will be appropriated in the future more studies to better clarify the possibilities of improvements between hydrogymnastics and urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2015;59(6):523-7.

Exploring the Sexuality of African American Older Women.

Aims: To identify sexually-related themes of the sexuality of older African American women. Study Design: Mixed method. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Psychology, California State University Northridge, between July 2009 and June 2011. Methodology: We included 13 African American older women (57 to 82 years of age), 11 of whom self-identified as heterosexual, one as bisexual, and one as lesbian. We used a semi-structured interview protocol through which we explored some aspects of the respondents’ sexuality (assessed at a superficial level, to be as tactful as possible). Moreover, we collected information on demographics and self-rated physical health. Two co-authors served as coders, and used content analysis to identify the most salient sexuality themes. Results: Emerging themes were (in order from most to least endorsed): having sexual desire (often unfulfilled); engaging in less sexual activity in older age; experiencing changes in one’s sexual life as a function of absence of a spouse; and exercising control over how one’s sexual life is conducted. Motivated by the paucity of our sexuality data, we have also provided suggestions to scholars interested in conducting more in-depth further research on this topic with older African American women. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the common notion that older women are asexual is a myth, while lack of a suitable sexual partner is a problem reported by many African American older women who would otherwise enjoy sexual interaction.

A percepção de idosas acerca das crenças de autoeficácia e envelhecimento saudável / The perception of elderly women about the beliefs of self-efficacy and healthy aging

A presente pesquisa aborda o tema autoeficácia em idosas e o envelhecimento saudável. O objetivo foi verificar qual a percepção de idosas acerca das crenças de autoeficácia e envelhecimento saudável. O método de pesquisa utilizado foi o qualitativo, onde foram entrevistadas 6 idosas, entre 70 a 80 anos, as quais responderam uma ficha com dados de identificação, dez questões de uma entrevista semiestruturada e também uma Escala de Autoeficácia Geral Percebida (EAEGP). A base teórica que embasou a pesquisa foi a Social Cognitiva de Albert Bandura. Os dados foram explorados através da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin, sendo as falas agregadas em unidades de sentido e categorizadas, valendo-se da interpretação e inferência. Os resultados apontaram que idosas com uma autoeficácia adequada possuem uma visão positiva do envelhecimento: não percebem limitações, são otimistas, resilientes e utilizam o enfrentamento através da religiosidade/espiritualidade, neste momento e ao longo do ciclo de suas vidas.(AU)

This research addresses the theme self-efficacy in older and healthy aging. The objective was to verify the perception of old beliefs about the self-efficacy and healthy aging. The research method used was qualitative, where there were interviewed 6 older women, 70 to 80 years, which responded with a statement identifying data, ten issues of a semi-structured interview and also a range of General Perceived Self-Efficacy (EAEGP). The theory behind the research was to Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive. The data were explored through content analysis of Bardin, the lines being aggregated into units of meaning and categorized, using interpretation and inference. The results showed that elderly women with an adequate self-efficacy have a positive view of aging: do not realize limitations, are optimistic, resilient and coping through use of religiosity/spirituality, both now and over the course of their lives.(AU)

Interferência da intensidade da atividade aquática nos níveis de pressão arterial em mulheres adultas e idosas / Interference of intensity of aquatic activity levels in blood pressure in adult and old women

Objetivos: Comparar os efeitos de programas de treinamento aeróbico e resistido com atividade aquática moderada e vigorosa nos níveis de pressão arterial em mulheres adultas e idosas normotensas ou hipertensas controladas sem medicação.Métodos: A amostra foi intencional, constituindo-se o Grupo 1 de 9 mulheres, com idade média de 54,56±7,04 anos, que realizavam atividade aquática moderada (60-70% da frequência cardíaca máxima) e o Grupo 2 de 11 mulheres com idade média de 54,91±7,70 anos, que realizavam atividade aquática vigorosa (70-80% da frequência cardíaca máxima). Os dois grupos foram analisados quanto à pressão arterial durante um período de dois meses e meio de tratamento, totalizando 20 atendimentos para cada grupo. As sessões ocorriam com frequência de duas vezes por semana, com duração de 50 minutos cada aula. A intensidade do exercício era estabelecida conforme a frequência cardíaca máxima de cada indivíduo. A análise dos resultados foi feita por estatística inferencial utilizando o teste t de Student para amostras independentes e pareadas, com significância menor que 5%.Resultados: O Grupo 1 obteve uma diferença média intergrupo de pressão arterial sistêmica entre o início e o final do estudo de -5,56 mmHg, enquanto o Grupo 2 apresentou diferença de +6,91 (p<0,001). Em relação à pressão arterial diastólica, a diferença média intergrupo do Grupo 1 foi de -3,50 e para o Grupo 2 de +3,18 (p=0,011).Conclusões: A atividade aquática moderada foi mais eficiente que a vigorosa para a redução dos níveis pressóricos em mulheres adultas e idosas...

Aims: To compare the effects of aerobic training programs and resistance to aquatic moderate and vigorous activity in blood pressure levels in adult and elderly women, normotensive or hypertensive controlled without medication.Methods: Sample was intentional, with Group 1 constituted of 9 women, mean age 54.56±7.04 years, who underwent moderate aquatic activity (60-70% of maximum heart rate) and Group 2 constituted of 11 women with mean age 54.91±7.70 years, who performed vigorous aquatic activity (70-80% of maximum heart rate). The two groups were analyzed for blood pressure over a period of 2 ½ months of treatment, a total of 20 attendances for each group. The sessions occurred with a frequency of twice a week, lasting 50 minutes each class. Exercise intensity was set as the maximum heart rate of each individual. Analysis was made by inferential statistics using Student t test for independent and paired samples, with significance lower than 5%Results: Group 1 had a mean difference of intergroup blood pressure, between the beginning and end of the study, of -5.56 mmHg, whereas Group 2 showed a difference of +6.91 (p<0.001). In relation to diastolic blood pressure, the average intergroup difference of group 1 was -3.50 and for group was 2 +3.18 (p=0.011).Conclusions: Moderate water activity was more efficient than vigorous water activity for reduction of bloodpressure in adults and elderly women...

Maintenance of the Therapeutic Effect of Two High-Dosage Antimuscarinics in the Management of Overactive Bladder in Elderly Women / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To improve the long-term efficiency of the pharmacologic management of overactive bladder (OAB) in elderly women. METHODS: The study comprised 229 women (mean age, 66.3 years; range, 65-77 years) with urodynamically and clinically confirmed OAB. All patients received the most effective treatment regimen based on the data obtained in the initial part of the study (trospium 60 mg/day + solifenacin 40 mg/day, for 6 weeks), and positive results similar to those in the first phase were obtained. They were then divided into four groups, based on the maintenance therapy: group A (59 women), trospium (60 mg/day) + solifenacin (40 mg/day) for 1 month; group B (51 women), electrical stimulation of the detrusor muscle for 1 month; group C (63 women), laser puncture for 1 month; group D (56 women), placebo. Maintenance therapy was administered 2.5 months after completion of primary treatment. The patients' condition was monitored through the OAB questionnaire for 1 year and by urodynamic examination at months 6 and 7 from the start of the study. RESULTS: In group A, the clinical and urodynamic results achieved after the initial + main treatment phase (two high-dosage antimuscarinics of different generations, trospium and solifenacin, for a total of 2.5 months) were maintained for at least 7 months. Electrical stimulation of the urinary bladder as a method of maintenance therapy proved to be less effective. In groups C and D, deterioration in results was observed at 6-8 months, which led us to conclude that laser puncture was an inefficient method of maintenance therapy in elderly women with OAB. CONCLUSIONS: Maintenance treatment of OAB in elderly women with a combination of high-dosage antimuscarinics is an effective method for reducing the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Cross-sectional analysis of hierarchy of higher-level functional capacity and quantity/intensity of physical activity in older women / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the hierarchy of higher-level functional capacity (instrumental self-competence, intellectual activity, social role) and the quantity of physical activity in older women (n = 175, 72.1 ± 5.8 years). Physical activity was estimated with a uniaxial accelerometer that calculated light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). Higher-level functional capacity was assessed with the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG) index of competence. According to the three subscales (instrumental self-competence, intellectual activity, and social role) of the TMIG index, participants who reported a score of 1 or more below the respective full marks were categorized as a group with reduced status. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine association between the hierarchy of higher-level functional capacity and the quantity of physical activity divided by intensity of activity, adjusted by covariance. Only low MVPA showed a significantly lower odds ratio than high MVPA in reduced status of instrumental self-competence. Since instrumental self-competence was significantly related with only the quantity of MVPA, it may be more important to focus on “quantity” of physical activity to prevent reductions in higher-level functional capacity in advanced stages of declining functional capacity.

Aneuploidías en mujeres de edad avanzada, ¿cuál es el riesgo real?

Durante los últimos años, y debido a mejores oportunidades laborales, educativas y mayor información sobre planeamiento familiar, se ha observado que la edad en la que las parejas deciden tener hijos ha aumentado considerablemente. En la actualidad la edad de la madre es el principal factor de riesgo conocido para embarazos con aneuploidías cromosómicas. Sin embargo, no existe una probabilidad exacta ni se conoce la causa principal de esto. Por este motivo, existe una necesidad de entender mejor los mecanismos que conllevan a este incremento en las aneuploidías en mujeres mayores. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es examinar los datos recolectados hasta el momento y poder determinar la probabilidad más cercana a la realidad, así como también, revisar las posibles causas del efecto de la edad materna en el aumento de las aneuploidías cromosómicas. Con esto esperamos poder brindar mayor información a parejas que planean empezar una familia y/o a parejas que estén considerando iniciar ciclos de fertilización asistida y que se encuentren dentro del grupo considerado de edad materna avanzada (mayores de 35 años).

Over the last decades, there has been a clear tendency in couples planning to have children later in life. Better educational and career opportunities and broad availability of contraception have been some of the contributing factors in couples postponing the beginning of a family. Advanced maternal age (AMA) is currently considered the main risk factor for chromosome aneuploidies, but there is no exact number as to the probability of actually producing aneuploid embryos or a mayor reason for this to happen. The object of this review is to address the recent findings and to near down the probability of actually producing aneuploid embryos in AMA women. Also we will try to elucidate the actual reason as to why this is happening and how it is related to the age of the mother. We hope these findings will help couples that are thinking about starting a family and couples that are starting or thinking about IVF treatment.

Vovós feiticeiras: algumas reflexões sobre tristes relatos de idosas moçambicanas / Granny witches: reflections on the sadstories of older Mozambican women

Este artigo tem por objetivo trazer algumas reflexões, e alertar a sociedade para os vários tipos de violência que enfrentam as idosas em Moçambique: perda de bens, terras e morada, violência física, sexual, psicológica, abuso financeiro; isto é, o uso ilegal e não autorizado dos bens, dinheiro, pensão ou outros bens de valor da pessoa idosa, incluindo falsificar o testamento do idoso para incluir o perpetrador como herdeiro, expulsão da casa onde vive com a acusação de serem feiticeiras, até chegar a seu assassinato. Para além disso, as idosas confrontam-se com a dilema de terem sob sua responsabilidade crianças órfãs do HIV/SIDA e outras doenças, quase sem o apoio do Estado. Particular realce se dá às acusações de feitiçaria em que a Associação dos Médicos Tradicionais de Moçambique (AMETRAMO) e os curandeiros intervêm de duas formas: quer com o papel de acusador, instigador da violência, quer como alvo da violência. O conceito feitiço está presente no quotidiano e na vida social e nas relações sociais de muitos moçambicanos que tentam encontrar a causa dos seus problemas no feitiço e, sob esta óptica, as idosas são o bode expiatório dos males. Por outro lado, a constatação da alta mortalidade de jovens adultos, quer devido ao HIV/SIDA quer por outros motivos, e o número de pessoas idosas sobreviventes aos inúmeros males da sociedade, criam suspeitas sobre a razão da sua longevidade que atribuem, muitas vezes, à feitiçaria...

Particular attention is paid to the accusations of witchcraft, in which the Traditional Doctor´s Association of Mozambique (AMETRAMO) and traditional healers play two roles: one as the accuser and instigator of violence, and the other as the target of that violence. The idea of witchcraft is an integral part of daily life and social relations, and many Mozambicans like to think it is the cause of their problems: in this sense older women are the scapegoats for their ills. At the same time the reality of high mortality rates among young adults due to HIV/AIDS and other causes, together with the number of older people who have survived these evils, gives rise to suspicions as to the reasons for their longevity, which is often attributed to witchcraft. Particular attention is paid to the accusations of witchcraft, in which the Traditional Doctor´s Association of Mozambique (AMETRAMO) and traditional healers play two roles: one as the accuser and instigator of violence, and the other as the target of that violence. The idea of witchcraft is an integral part of daily life and social relations, and many Mozambicans like to think it is the cause of their problems: in this sense older women are the scapegoats for their ills. At the same time the reality of high mortality rates among young adults due to HIV/AIDS and other causes, together with the number of older people who have survived these evils, gives rise to suspicions as to the reasons for their longevity, which is often attributed to witchcraft...

Efeitos da cinesioterapia sobre os níveis de IGF-1, força muscular e autonomia funcional em mulheres idosas / Effects of kinesiotherapy on the levels of IGF-1, muscle strength and functional autonomy in older women

Os níveis de fator de crescimento insulina símile tipo 1 (IGF-1), força muscular e autonomia funcional, tendem a declinar com a idade. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da cinesioterapia sobre os níveis de IGF-1, força muscular e autonomia funcional em mulheres idosas com disfunções musculoesqueléticas. A amostra de 52 idosas foi dividida aleatoriamente em dois grupos iguais: Grupo Experimental (GE, idade: 68,52 ±4,68 anos; IMC: 28,05 ± 20,83), submetido a 12 semanas de cinesioterapia, e Grupo Controle (GC, idade: 67,52 ± 7,34 anos; IMC: 26,96 ± 4,01). Foram avaliados os níveis séricos de IGF-1 através do método de Quimioluminescência e de força muscular através do teste de umarepetição máxima (1RM) nos movimentos de flexão (FQ) e extensão de quadril (EQ), flexão (FO) e extensão de ombro (EO) e a autonomia funcional, através do protocolo GDLAM. A ANOVA de medidas repetidas mostrou que o GE aumentou os níveis de IGF-1 (?=19,74 ng/ml; p=0,028) do pré para o pós-teste. O GE aumentou os níveis de força muscular nos exercícios de flexão (?FO=1,26 kg; p=0,001) e extensão de ombros (?EO=1,90 kg; p=0,0001)e de extensão (?EQ=2,52 kg; p=0,0001) e flexão de quadril (?FQ=2,82 kg; p=0,0001) do pré para o pós-teste. O GE reduziu os escores do IG (?= -16,73; p=0,004) do pré para o pós-teste. Concluiu-se que, através do exercício resistido, podem-se obter resultados positivos sobre os níveis de IGF-1, força muscular e autonomia funcional em mulheres idosas comdisfunção musculo-esquelética.

The levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), muscle strength and functional autonomy tend to decrease with age. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of kinesiotherapy on IGF-1 levels, muscle strength and functional autonomy in older women with musculoskeletal dysfunction. A sample of 52 women was randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (age: 68.52 ± 4.68 years, BMI: 28.05 ± 20.83) submitted to 12 weeks of exercise, and a control group (age: 67.52 ± 7.34 years; BMI: 26.96 ± 4.01). Serum IGF-1 levels were measured by a chemiluminescence method. Muscle strength was evaluated by one-repetitionmaximum (1-RM) testing of hip flexion (HF) and extension (HE) and shoulder flexion (SF) and extension (SE). The GDLAM protocol was used for the evaluation of functional autonomy. Repeated measures ANOVA showed an increase in IGF-1 levels after kinesiotherapy in the experimental group (? = 19.74 ng/ml, p = 0.028). In the experimental group, muscle strengthfor shoulder flexion (?SF = 1.26 kg, p = 0.001) and extension exercise (?SE = 1.90 kg, p = 0.0001) and for hip extension (?HE = 2.52 kg, p = 0.0001) and flexion (?HF = 2.82 kg, p = 0.0001) exercise increased after therapy. IG scores were reduced in the experimental group after therapy (? = -16.73, p = 0.004). In conclusion, resistance exercise can improve IGF-1 levels,muscle strength and functional autonomy in older women with musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Repercussions of training and detraining by water-based exercise on functional fitness and quality of life: a short-term follow-up in healthy older women

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of short-term exercise detraining on the functional fitness of older women after a 12-week water-based exercise (WE) program. METHODS: Healthy older women (trained (TR) group) were submitted to 12 weeks WE (three 45 min sessions per week) followed by a 6-week detraining period. A group of aged-matched women without any exercise training (UN group) were evaluated during the same period. The aerobic power, measured by VO2max and 800 meters performance, and the neuromuscular fitness and quality of life were evaluated. All assessments were made at baseline, after 12 weeks of training and after 4 and 6 weeks of detraining. RESULTS: No changes were found for the UN group during the follow-up study, but WE induced significant improvement in aerobic capacity, neuromuscular fitness and quality of life score. However, the upper and lower body strength, agility, flexibility, and body balance returned to UN levels (p>0.05) after 6 weeks of detraining. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed that 12 weeks of WE improves the functional fitness parameters and quality of life of older women. However, after a short detraining period of 4-6 weeks, the neuromuscular parameters and the quality of life score returns to baseline or untrained subject levels.

A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Interactive Virtual Reality Sports on Balance Performance among Older Women / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This randomized control pilot study quantified the efficacy of interactive virtual reality golf training on balance performance among community mobile older person. Eight older women were assigned randomly to a conventional mat exercises program group (n = 4, mean age = 51 ± 1.6 years old) or an experimental group that participated in interactive virtual reality golf (n = 4, mean age = 53.5 ± 1.4 years old). Balance assessments of all participants included Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT), Step Up Test (SUT), Double Leg Static Balance (DLSB) with eyes open and closed and excursion of centre of pressure (COP) sway quantified with a force plate. One subject dropped out from the experimental group and three subjects from the conventional mat exercise group due to work commitments to complete the once a week study for four weeks. No significant differences in base-line balance abilities were found between groups. The experiment group did not have significant improvements in balance capability compared with control subjects (MDRT p = 0.16-0.66; SUT p = 0.05; COP during DLSB p = 0.18-0.66). However, virtual reality golf intervention improved medial-lateral sway by 57.24% during DLSB compared to 14.99% after floor-mat exercises. The improvement in COP during DLSB after interactive virtual reality golf hints towards improved postural control. Further studies with a larger population should explore using off-the shelf interactive virtual reality sports for balance training. This novel technology can complement rehabilitation programs.

Respostas hormonais agudas a diferentes intensidades de exercícios resistidos em mulheres idosas / Acute hormonal responses to different intensities of resistance exercises in older women

O treinamento resistido vem sendo apontado como eficaz em retardar o declínio de força e massa muscular que acompanham o envelhecimento; contudo, a resposta hormonal aguda a esse tipo de exercício precisa ser mais bem caracterizada. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram caracterizar e comparar as respostas hormonais agudas resultantes de diferentes intensidades de exercícios resistidos realizados por mulheres idosas. A amostra foi composta por 15 mulheres com idade média de 67,5 anos, as quais realizaram, de forma aleatória, três visitas ao laboratório: 1) exercícios resistidos realizados a 50 por cento de 1-RM (G50); 2) exercícios resistidos realizados a 80 por cento de 1-RM (G80); e 3) sessão controle (GC). Coletas sanguíneas foram realizadas imediatamente antes e após (TO e T1, respectivamente) cada sessão, bem como três e 48 horas após (T2 eT3, respectivamente), para posterior análise hormonal através do método imunoensaio quimiluminescente. ANOVA e ANCOVA foram utilizadas, respectivamente, para examinar diferenças intra e intersessões. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as sessões para nenhum dos hormônios avaliados. EmT2, as concentrações do cortisol encontraram-se significativamente inferiores quando comparados com T0 nas três sessões realizadas, enquanto a testosterona apresentou-se reduzida no T2 do GC. Apenas a sessão G80 induziu elevação transitória significativa da razão testosterona/cortisol e nenhuma das sessões provocou alterações nas concentrações séricas de GH. Conclui-se que exercícios resistidos realizados a 50 por cento ou a 80 por cento de 1-RM não induziram agudamente elevação significativa de cortisol, testosterona ou GH na amostra estudada. Por outro lado, a sessão realizada a 80 por cento de 1-RM promoveu aumento significativo da razão testosterona/cortisol três horas pós-exercício quando comparada com a dos valores basais, em mulheres idosas.

Resistance training has been pointed as an effective intervention to minimize muscle mass and strength decline observed with advancing age, however, its acute hormonal responses need to be better characterized. The purposes of the present study were characterize and compare the acute hormonal responses to different resistance exercises intensities performed by older women. Sample was composed by 15 women with a mean age of 67,5 years, who performed, in a randomized order, three visits at the laboratory: 1) resistance exercises performed at 50 percent of 1-RM (G50); 2) resistance exercises performed at 80 percent of 1-RM (G80) and 3) control session (GC). Blood samples were taken immediately before and after (T0 and T1, respectively) each session, as well as three and 48 hour after (T2 and T3, respectively), for subsequent hormonal analyses by the enzyme immunoassay chemiluminescent method. ANOVA and ANCOVA were used, respectively, to examine intra and inter sessions differences. No significant differences were observed between sessions for any of the evaluated hormone. In T2, cortisol concentrations were significantly reduced when compared to T0 for the three examined sessions, while testosterone was reduced after (T2) GC. Only G80 elicited a significant transient elevation in testosterone/cortisol ratio and none of the sessions provoked alterations on serum GH concentrations. It's concluded that resistance exercises performed at 50 percent or 80 percent of 1-RM do not acutely induce significant elevation of cortisol, testosterone or GH in the studied population. On the other hand, the session performed at 80 percent of 1-RM promoted significant elevations on the testosterone/cortisol ratio three hours post exercises when compared to basal values, in older women.

Effects of a Strengthening Program for Lower Back in Older Women with Chronic Low Back Pain

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of a strengthening program for the lower back in older women with chronic low back pain. METHODS: The research design was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest experiment. The experimental group consisted of 16 older women and the control group, 14, all of whom had experienced low back pain for at least 3 months. The strengthening program for the lower back included lumbar stabilization exercises and education on pain management in daily living. For an 8 week period, exercises were done 3 days a week and on one day education was also given. RESULTS: Pain and disability scores decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Flexibility, life satisfaction and lumbar muscle strength scores increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Low back pain and disability can be relieved, and flexibility, muscle strength, and life satisfaction increased through a program to strengthen the lower back. It is suggested that a program to strengthen the lower back would be an effective nursing intervention for older women with low back pain.

THE EFFECTS OF COMBINED EXERCISE ON FUNCTIONAL FITNESS AND RISK FACTORS OF METABOLIC SYNDROME IN THE OLDER WOMEN / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in functional fitness and risk factors for metabolic syndrome after 12 weeks of combined exercise in women of advanced age. Subjects consisted of twenty women of advanced age with metabolic syndrome (Control, 10 ; Combined, 10) whose age was over 75. The combined exercise program included stretching for 20 minutes, aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, resistance training for 15 minutes, and Asana yoga for 15 minutes. Subjects exercised 4 times a week for 12 weeks. We found that LBM (lean body mass) was significantly increased and visceral fat was significantly decreased after 12 weeks. Also, self-reliance fitness and the risk factors for metabolic syndrome were significantly improved after 12 weeks in the combined exercise group. Therefore, it appears that combined exercise plays a positive role in body composition and fitness and reduces the risk factors for metabolic syndrome in women of advanced age.