Influência do nível de atividade física sobre o desempenho cognitivo no teste de Stroop / Influence of the physical activity level on cognitive performance in the Stroop test

Introdução: O teste de Stroop é comumente utilizado para avaliar a flexibilidade cognitiva e função executiva. O teste mostrou correlacionar-se com variáveis como idade, nível educacional e atividade física, porém, pouco se sabe sobre as variáveis relacionadas ao desempenho no teste em populações previamente ativas. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho no teste de Stroop em população fisicamente ativa. Métodos: 89 estudantes foram recrutados, os mesmos tiveram seus níveis de atividade física avaliado por questionário e composição corporal avaliada por bioimpedância. Resultado: Observamos que as variáveis relacionadas à prática de atividade física não apresentaram correlação com o teste de Stroop. Foi identificado correlação do teste com as variáveis peso corporal e índice de massa corporal (IMC), sendo que maiores valores de peso e IMC resultaram em melhor desempenho no teste. Conclusão: Para indivíduos fisicamente ativos, outros fatores parecem ser preponderantes à atividade física com relação ao desempenho no teste de Stroop.

Introduction: The Stroop test is commonly used to assess cognitive flexibility and executive function. The test was correlated with variables such as age, educational level and physical activity, but little is known about variables related to performance in this test in previously active populations. Objective: To evaluate Stroop performance in a physically active population. Methods: 89 recruited students had their physical activity levels assessed by questionnaire and body composition evaluated by bioimpedance. Result: We observed that variables related to the physical activity level did not present correlation with the Stroop test. Was identified correlation of the test with the variables body weight and body mass index (BMI), being that higher values of weight and BMI resulted in better Stroop performance. Conclusion: For physical active individuals, other factors may be preponderant to physical activity in relation to Stroop performance.

Influence of ischemic stroke on the frailty process of older adults / Influencia del accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en el proceso de fragilidad en adultos mayores

Abstract Introduction: Older adults may become fragile by different mechanisms that influence homeostasis, such as stroke. Objective: To investigate the relation of stroke with the frailty process in older adults, correlating body mass index, functional aspects and resulting deficits. Methods: A case-control study was performed between February and November 2015. Patients aged 60 years and older, who had suffered ischemic stroke, were evaluated using the Kihon Checklist (KCL), the modified Rankin Scale, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Baseline data included pre-stroke information and follow-up data obtained one month after discharge. The statistical analysis was performed by paired t-test and Friedman non-parametric test. Results: The study was conducted on 16 older adults (72.19±7.20 years old), making evident the influence of stroke on the frailty process (p<0.005). After stroke, an increase was observed in the mean scores domains: total KCL score (p=0.001); instrumental activities of daily living (p=0.001); physical (p=0.002); socialization (p=0.006); mood (p=0.004). Conclusions: A significant worsening of frailty was observed after stroke. KCL was satisfactory to evaluate frailty pre and post-stroke due to its applicability and coverage of the main aspects of frailty in older adults.

Resumen Introducción. Los ancianos pueden tornarse frágiles por diferentes mecanismos que influencian la homeostasis, como por ejemplo el accidente cerebrovascular (ACV). Objetivo. Investigar la relación del ACV con el proceso de fragilización en correlación con el índice de masa corporal, la funcionalidad y los déficits resultantes. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de caso-control. Se incluyeron pacientes con 60 años o más que sufrieron ACV isquémico y evaluados con Kihon Checklist (KCL), Escala de Rankin Modificada y Evaluación Neurológica del National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Se recogieron datos de baseline de información pre-ACV y de follow-up un mes después del alta hospitalaria. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante prueba t pareada y prueba non paramétrica de Friedman. Resultados. Se incluyeran 16 ancianos (720.19±7.20 años) y se observó la influencia del ACV en la fragilización (p<0.005). Aumentaron las puntuaciones de los dominios: KCL total (p=0.001); actividades instrumentales de la vida diária (p=0.001); físico (p=0.002); socialización (p=0.006); humor (p=0.004). Conclusiones. Se observó empeoramiento de la fragilidad después del ACV. El KCL se presentó como una evaluación satisfactoria para medir la fragilidad pre y post ACV debido a su aplicabilidad y cobertura de los aspectos principales de la fragilidad en ancianos.

Cutoff values for appendicular skeletal muscle mass and strength in relation to fear of falling among Brazilian older adults: cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Sarcopenia is an emerging public health issue in Brazil. Because of its high prevalence and the lack of national data, the objective here was to identify cutoff points for appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) and handgrip strength in relation to fear of falling among Brazilian older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study; in the community. METHODS: Participants underwent morphological and functional evaluations; and were asked about previous falls and fear of falling. Different adjustments to ASM and handgrip strength were used. Slow walking speed was defined as < 0.8 m/s or 1.0 m/s. Gender and age groups were compared using t tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify cutoffs for ASM and handgrip strength in relation to fear of falling. RESULTS: 578 older adults participated in this study. Function levels decreased with increasing age, and body composition differed between the sexes. In relation to fear of falling, the cutoffs for ASM adjusted for body mass index (BMI) were < 0.85 for men and < 0.53 for women; the cutoffs for absolute handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength (adjusted for BMI) were 30.0 kgf and 21.7 kgf, and 1.07 and 0.66, for men and women, respectively. CONCLUSION: The values presented can be used as references in clinical practice and research. We recommend use of ASM adjusted for BMI and choosing between absolute and relative handgrip strength for men and women, according to study needs.

Cutoffs and cardiovascular risk factors associated with neck circumference among community-dwelling elderly adults: a cross-sectional study / Pontos de corte e fatores de risco cardiovascular associados com a circunferência do pescoço em idosos da comunidade: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: In elderly people, measurement of several anthropometric parameters may present complications. Although neck circumference measurements seem to avoid these issues, the cutoffs and cardiovascular risk factors associated with this parameter among elderly people remain unknown. This study was developed to identify the cutoff values and cardiovascular risk factors associated with neck circumference measurements among elderly people. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in two community centers for elderly people. METHODS: 435 elderly adults (371 women and 64 men) were recruited. These volunteers underwent morphological evaluations (body mass index and waist, hip, and neck circumferences) and hemodynamic evaluations (blood pressure values and heart rate). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to determine the predictive validity of cutoff values for neck circumference, for identifying overweight/obesity. Multivariate analysis was used to identify cardiovascular risk factors associated with large neck circumference. RESULTS: Cutoff values for neck circumference (men = 40.5 cm and women = 35.7 cm), for detection of obese older adults according to body mass index, were identified. After a second analysis, large neck circumference was shown to be associated with elevated body mass index in men; and elevated body mass index, blood pressure values, prevalence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in women. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that neck circumference can be used as a screening tool to identify overweight/obesity in older people. Moreover, large neck circumference values may be associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Em idosos, diversas ferramentas antropométricas podem apresentar complicações durante a mensuração. Embora a circunferência do pescoço pareça evitar tais problemas, os pontos de corte e fatores de risco cardiovascular associados a essa ferramenta em idosos permanecem desconhecidos. Este estudo foi desenvolvido para identificar os valores de ponto de corte e fatores de risco cardiovascular associados à circunferência do pescoço em idosos. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal, realizado em dois centros comunitários para idosos. MÉTODOS: 435 idosos (371 mulheres e 64 homens) foram recrutados. Os voluntários foram submetidos a avaliação morfológica (índice de massa corporal e cintura, quadril, e circunferência do pescoço) e hemodinâmica (valores da pressão arterial e frequência cardíaca). A análise pela curva receiver operating characteristic foi usada para determinar o valor preditivo dos valores de ponto de corte da circunferência do pescoço para identificação de sobrepeso/obesidade. Análise multivariada foi usada para identificar os fatores de risco cardiovascular associados com circunferência do pescoço larga. RESULTADOS: Os valores de corte para circunferência do pescoço (homens = 40,5 cm e mulheres = 35,7 cm) para detectar adultos idosos obesos, de acordo com o índice de massa corporal, foram identificados. Depois da segunda análise, circunferência do pescoço larga foi associada com elevado índice de massa corporal em homens e mulheres e elevados valores de pressão arterial, prevalência de diabetes mellitus tipo II e hipertensão em mulheres. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados indicam que a circunferência do pescoço pode ser utilizada como ferramenta de rastreio para identificar sobrepeso/obesidade em idosos. Ademais, altos valores de circunferência do pescoço podem estar associados com fatores de risco cardiovascular.

Aspectos epidemiológicos de pacientes com neurocisticercose atendidos em Hospital Geral Terciário de Brasília, Distrito Federal / Epidemiological aspects of patients with neurocysticercosis in a Terciary General Hospital in Brasília, Distrito Federal

Objetivo. Descrever aspectos epidemiológicos de pacientes diagnosticados com neurocisticercose, atendidos em hospital terciário do Distrito Federal. Método. Trata-se de estudo do tipo série de casos, que inclui pacientes com diagnóstico de neurocisticercose, atendidos em 2007 e 2008 no Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal. Resultados. Quase todos os pacientes (90%) procederam de outras unidades da federação, principalmente Minas Gerais e Goiás, e 86% da zona rural. A doença predominou no sexo feminino, e a idade mediana dos pacientes foi 37 anos, com variação de 13 a 74 anos. O hábito de ingerir carne de porco, bem como vegetais crus foi muito frequente. As condições de higiene e saneamento foram precárias. Conclusão. Por se tratar de doença potencialmente eliminável, necessitam ser implantadas medidas de prevenção e controle, tanto na área rural, como nos municípios do entorno do Distrito Federal.

Objective. In this study, epidemiological aspects of the patients diagnosed with neurocysticercosis and attended at a terciary care hospital in Brasília, DF, were analysed. Method. This is a prospective study with a case series of patients attended in the period of 2007 and 2008. The most part of patients (90%) came from other states, mainly Minas Gerais and Goiás and 86% from rural areas. Female patients were predominant and the median age was 37 years old, ranging from 13 to 74 years old. The habit of ingesting swine meat and raw vegetables was very frequent. Conclusion. As cysticercosis is an eliminable disease, preventive and control measures need to be implemented,so in rural areas of the Distrito Federal as in municipalities around Brasília.