Physical activity, protein consumption, and loss of muscle mass in older adult participants of the ELSA-Brazil study / Atividade física, consumo de proteínas e perda de massa muscular em idosos do ELSA-Brasil

Objetivo: Objetiva-se avaliar a relação entre consumo de proteínas (CP), atividade física (AF) e massa muscular (MM) em indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais de idade. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo a partir da linha de base e segunda onda do estudo ELSA-Brasil. O CP foi avaliado por meio de um questionário de frequência alimentar semiquantitativo (QFA). A AF foi mensurada pelo International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A MM foi estimada por meio de equação de predição, e calculada a diferença de MM entre a 2a e a 1a onda. Análises bivariadas foram realizadas adotando o valor de p < 0,05. Para as análises multivariadas, utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson, com quatro modelos distintos, que incluíram as covariáveis com valor de p < 0,20. Utilizou-se o pacote estatístico SPSS versão 21. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída de 2216 idosos, sendo 55,10% de mulheres, com média de idade de 65,20 ± 4,15. Indivíduos com redução de MM entre as duas ondas estão situados no primeiro quartil de consumo de proteína. Além disso, a média de AF mostrou diferença significativa entre os grupos e a AF no lazer apenas para as mulheres (p < 0,05). Após ajuste por variáveis sociodemográficas, de saúde e hábitos de vida, indivíduos com menor consumo de proteínas apresentaram risco de 1,45 (1,29 ­ 1,63) de apresentar MM diminuída. Conclusões: O menor CP e AF forte estão associados à MM diminuída, e aqueles com menor CP no primeiro e segundo quartis apresentam maior risco de possuir MM diminuída. (AU)

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the relationship between protein consumption, physical activity, and muscle mass in individuals aged ≥ 60 years. Methods: This prospective study was based on the baseline and second wave of the ELSA Brazil study. Protein consumption was assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Muscle mass was estimated using a prediction equation, and the difference in MM between the first and second waves was calculated. Bivariate analyses were performed, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Multivariate analysis consisted of 4 Poisson regression models including covariates with p < 0.20. The statistical analysis was performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Results: The sample included 2216 older adults, 55.10% of whom were women, with a mean age of 65.20 (SD, 4.15). Participants whose muscle mass decreased between the waves were in the first quartile of protein consumption. Mean physical activity significantly differed between the groups, while leisure-time physical activity differed only for women (p < 0.05). After adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle variables, participants with lower protein intake had a 1.45 (1.29­1.63) relative risk of muscle mass loss. Conclusions: Lower protein consumption and higher physical activity were associated with decreased muscle mass, and those with protein consumption in the first and second quartiles are at higher risk of muscle mass loss. (AU)

The ICOPE-WHO and the IVCF-20: a critical view of the Handbook for Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment in Primary Care / O ICOPE-OMS e o IVCF-20: observações críticas sobre o Manual de Avaliação Multidimensional da Pessoa Idosa para a Atenção Primária à Saúde

O rápido envelhecimento populacional impulsiona iniciativas com o objetivo de otimizar a saúde da população idosa em todo o mundo. Recentemente, no Brasil, foi publicado pelo Conselho Nacional dos Secretários de Saúde (CONASS) o Manual de Avaliação Multidimensional da Pessoa Idosa, que propõe a adoção combinada e em larga escala da ferramenta de triagem do ICOPE da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e do instrumento Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico-Funcional-20 (IVCF-20) para definir linhas de cuidado à pessoa idosa. Embora iniciativas dessa natureza sejam prementes, os instrumentos propostos ainda não têm validação adequada na população brasileira, e a sua utilização com o objetivo de balizar diretrizes em saúde em todo o território nacional parece precipitada e arriscada. Diante disso, propõe-se um debate amplo e urgente entre os especialistas da área, com o objetivo de planejar políticas de saúde pública eficazes e seguras para a população idosa brasileira. (AU)

Rapid population aging is driving initiatives aimed at optimizing the health of older populations worldwide. In Brazil, the National Council of State Secretaries of Health (CONASS) recently published the Handbook for Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment in Primary Care, which proposes the combined, large-scale adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) ICOPE screening tool and the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20) instrument to define care pathways for older people. Although there is a pressing need for initiatives of this nature, the proposed instruments have not yet been adequately validated in the Brazilian population, and their use for the purpose of establishing countrywide health guidelines appears hasty and risky. Therefore, we propose a broad, urgent debate among experts in the field with the aim of planning effective and safe public health policies for the Brazilian older population. (AU)

The sensitivity and specificity of the WHO's ICOPE screening tool, and the prevalence of loss of intrinsic capacity in older adults: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization has developed the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) program, a public health strategy to maintain older adults' functional abilities and promote healthier aging. The approach comprises a 5-step pathway. Step 1 is the screening for impairment in functions, and Step 2 is an in-depth evaluation to confirm the presence and severity of functional impairment. These initial two steps are crucial to determine the subsequent plan of care (Step 3) and follow-up (Step 4). The fifth step encompasses actions to support families and caregivers and to engage communities. This review gathers data from the literature on the prevalence of positive screenings regarding intrinsic capacity detected by the program's first-step screening tool, and on currently available results regarding the instrument's sensitivity and specificity. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Electronic searches were conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and SciElo databases, the medRxiv platform, and recent human aging scientific events, looking for research analyzing the ICOPE screening instrument. Studies reporting data on the prevalence of positive screenings for loss of intrinsic capacity using the proposed screening tool and/or findings on the instrument's sensitivity and specificity were included. A total of 7 publications with participants aged 50 years or more were selected. The prevalence of at least one impairment in intrinsic capacity detected by the instrument varied among the studies from 17.1 % to 94.3 %. Sensitivity ranged from 26.4 % to 100 % and specificity from 22 % to 96 %, depending on the setting and the assessed domain. CONCLUSION: Currently available data are heterogeneous, and different results were found among the studies due to diverse settings and methodologies. The evidence on the ICOPE screening tool's performance in different populations is still scarce and reinforces the need for further research worldwide.

Application of spatial environmental indicators in the assessment of degradation potential of water resources in water basins.

Changes in land use have been occurring in a continuous and disorderly way in recent decades due to rapid population growth and the growing demand for food. These constant changes result in a series of harmful effects to the environment, especially to water resources, significantly changing their availability and quality. This study aims to evaluate the degradation potential of watersheds through an evaluation of some environmental indicators using arithmetic means to construct an index called in this research "index of potential environmental degradation" (IPED). To form the IPED, the hydrographic sub-basins of the Sorocabuçu River, located in the central west of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, comprised the study area. The results showed that most hydrographic sub-basins, that is, eight units, present degradation values ranging from moderate to very high, resulting mainly from low conservation values of forests plus a use destined to the planting of temporary cultures depending on good physical conditions. On the other hand, only one sub-basin showed a low degradation value. The methodology used for the development of the IPED is easy to apply and an effective tool for environmental analyses. It may contribute to studies and forms of planning and land use management aiming the conservation of water resources and protected areas and reduction of degradation.

Low phase angle in critically ill older patients is associated with late mortality: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to ascertain the accuracy of phase angle (PhA) as a predictor of mortality during intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MICU) and at 28 (M28) and 60 d (M60) after ICU admission among patients aged >60 y. METHODS: Patients aged >60 y who were under mechanical ventilation (MV) ≥48 h were included once they were hemodynamically stable. PhA was measured by single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis up to 48 h after admission. ICU prognostic scores, functional scale, and nutritional assessments were performed in the first 24 h. Patients were followed for 60 d after ICU admission. RESULTS: We enrolled 102 patients into the present study. PhA was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in survivors at MICU, M28, and M60. Areas under the receiving operator characteristic curves for MICU, M28, and M60 were 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-0.86), 0.71 (95% CI, 0.60-0.82), and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.60-0.81), respectively. The PhA cutoff to predict mortality was 3.29° for males at MICU, M28, and M60 and lower for females at M28 (2.63°) and M60 (3.01°). PhA better discriminated M60 than conventional prognostic scores. Logistic regression showed that even after controlling for other factors, PhA was a protective factor against late mortality. Survival analysis at 60 d revealed that low PhA was associated with lower median survival (18 versus 58 d; log-rank P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Low PhA values are associated with higher late mortality and a short survival time at 60 d in critically ill older adults. Low PhA values can be considered a useful ICU prognostic score in similar populations.

Are quality of life, functional capacity, and urinary incontinence associated with fecal incontinence? The Fibra-BR Study / Cuidados de saúde, capacidade funcional e incontinência urinária estão associados à incontinência fecal? Estudo Fibra-BR

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of fecal incontinence and its association with clinical, functional, and cognitive-behavioral variables, medication use, frailty, falls, and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults (aged 65 years or older). METHODS: Cross-sectional, multicenter study carried out across 16 Brazilian cities. The question "In the last 12 months, did you experience fecal incontinence or involuntary passage of stool?" was defined as the indicator variable for fecal incontinence. Bivariate analyses were carried out to assess the prevalence of fecal incontinence and sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, cognition, functional capacity, depression, frailty, quality of life, and falls. Logistic regression analysis was also performed, with fecal incontinence as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Overall, 6855 subjects were evaluated; 66.56% were female, 52.93% white, and the mean age was 73.51 years. The prevalence of fecal incontinence was 5.93%. It was associated with worse self-care (OR 1.78 [1.08­2.96]), dependence for basic activities of daily living (OR 1.29 [1.01­1.95]), and urinary incontinence (OR 4.22 [3.28­5.41]). Furthermore, the absence of polypharmacy was identified as a protective factor (OR 0.61 [0.44­0.85]). CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of fecal incontinence was 5.93%. On logistic regression, one quality of life variable, dependence for basic activities of daily living, and polypharmacy were significantly associated with fecal incontinence

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de incontinência fecal e sua associação com variáveis clínicas, funcionais, cognitivo-comportamentais, uso de fármacos, fragilidade, quedas e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com 65 anos ou mais que vivem na comunidade. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal e multicêntrico, realizado em 16 cidades brasileiras. A pergunta "Nos últimos 12 meses o(a) senhor(a) apresentou incontinência fecal ou perda de fezes de forma involuntária?'' foi a variável indicadora de incontinência fecal. Análises bivariadas avaliaram a prevalência de incontinência fecal e suas características sociodemográficas, comorbidades, cognição, funcionalidade, depressão, fragilidade, qualidade de vida e quedas. Também realizou-se análise de regressão logística tendo a incontinência fecal como variável dependente. RESULTADOS: No total, 6855 indivíduos foram avaliados; 66,56% eram do sexo feminino, 52,93% brancos e a média de idade de 73,51 anos. A prevalência de incontinência fecal foi de 5,93% e estava associada com pior cuidado com a própria saúde [OR 1,78 (1,08­2,96)], dependência para as atividades básicas de vida diária [OR 1,29 (1,01­1,95)] e incontinência urinária [OR 4,22 (3,28­5,41)]. Além disso, observou-se que a ausência de polifarmácia [OR 0,61 (0,44­0,85)] foi identificada como associação de proteção. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de incontinência fecal foi de 5,93%. Na regressão logística, uma variável de qualidade de vida, dependência para atividades básicas de vida diária e polifarmácia mostrou-se significativamente associada à incontinência fecal

The impact of intrinsic capacity and physical resilience on health outcomes: a case report / O impacto da capacidade intrínseca e da resiliência física em desfechos de saúde: um relato de caso

Justification and objective: The physiological changes that accompany human aging increase the risk of disease and care dependence. To meet the health needs of older adults, care must go beyond diagnosing specific diseases and assess the impact of these conditions on functional capacity. The concepts of intrinsic capacity and physical resilience aim to explain the trajectory of various health outcomes in older adults. The case presented below illustrates the positive impact of intrinsic capacity, together with external resources, on the prognosis of an older patient during a catastrophic health event. Case description: A 91-year-old widower was diagnosed with severe dehydration, delirium, pneumonia, and a grade IV pressure injury after lying in his home for 6 days. He remained hospitalized for 87 days and was discharged with almost complete recovery of his functional capacity. Discussion: The main point of this case is the positive health outcome experienced by a nonagenarian patient given the severity of the events. From the perspective of intrinsic capacity, he was functionally independent, had good sensory function, excellent cognition and vitality, and his psychological status was positive. He is currently progressing towards complete functional recovery. (AU)

Justificativa e objetivo: As alterações fisiológicas que acompanham o envelhecimento humano aumentam o risco do desenvolvimento de doenças e dependência de cuidados. Para avaliar as necessidades de saúde de um indivíduo idoso, mais do que diagnosticar doenças específicas, o mais importante é analisar o impacto dessas condições em sua capacidade funcional. Os conceitos de capacidade intrínseca (CI) e resiliência física têm a finalidade de explicar a trajetória de diversos desfechos de saúde em idosos. O caso apresentado a seguir visa ilustrar o impacto positivo da CI, em conjunto com os recursos externos, no prognóstico de um paciente idoso durante evento catastrófico de saúde. Descrição do caso: Masculino, 91 anos, viúvo, diagnosticado com desidratação grave, delirium, pneumonia e lesão por pressão grau IV ao fim de seis dias caído em sua casa. Permaneceu hospitalizado por 87 dias e obteve alta com recuperação quase completa de sua capacidade funcional. Discussão: O ponto central do caso é o desfecho positivo de saúde vivido por um paciente nonagenário diante da gravidade dos eventos. Do ponto de vista da CI, ele era independente funcional, tinha boa função sensorial, excelente cognição e vitalidade, e seu estado psicológico era positivo. Atualmente, evolui com completa recuperação funcional. (AU)

Oral health care for older persons with Alzheimer's disease: considerations about treatment planning and caregiver involvement

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative and progressive disease that predominantly affects women and has no cure. Obstacles to the dental care of people with AD differ in each phase, but the dental surgeon should remember to include the caregivers, formal or informal, in the treatment. Some skills need to be considered in the planning process, and dental health indices can be very helpful for the professional to assess the patient's ability to undergo treatment and how the older person can benefit from it. The dental surgeon should evaluate each person's specific needs so that personalized oral hygiene protocols can be established. The suggested adaptations must be by the reality of the older adult with AD, the family context, and daily routine, and they must contemplate the information provided by the caregiver. In this article, we invite the dental surgeon to understand the continuum of AD to properly plan treatment, considering the individual's limitations, future perspectives, and safety, always keeping the older adult free of oral infections and comfortable with his or her oral health condition

A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é neurodegenerativa, de caráter progressivo, afeta predominantemente mulheres e até o momento não possui cura. Os obstáculos para o atendimento odontológico de pessoas com DA são diferentes em cada fase, porém em nenhuma delas o cirurgião-dentista pode esquecer de incluir os cuidadores, formais ou não, no tratamento. Algumas habilidades precisam ser consideradas no processo de planejamento, e os índices odontológicos podem ser de grande utilidade para que o profissional pondere sobre a capacidade de o paciente receber o tratamento e quanto ele pode se beneficiar dele. A avaliação das necessidades específicas para cada indivíduo deve ser conduzida pelo cirurgião-dentista, de forma que seja possível estabelecer os protocolos personalizados de higiene oral. As adaptações sugeridas devem estar de acordo com a realidade da pessoa com DA, de seu contexto familiar, de sua rotina diária, e devem contemplar as informações fornecidas pelo cuidador. O cirurgião-dentista deve compreender o continuum da DA para planejar adequadamente, considerando as limitações, as perspectivas futuras e a segurança do indivíduo, mantendo-o sempre livre de infecções e confortável com sua condição de saúde bucal, em colaboração com seus cuidadores, formais ou informais

Predictors of functional impairment and awareness in people with dementia, mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults from a middle-income country.

Objective: To investigate the demographic, clinical and cognitive correlates of functional capacity and its awareness in people with dementia (PwD; n = 104), mild cognitive impairment (PwMCI; n = 45) and controls (healthy older adults; n = 94) in a sample from a middle-income country. Methods: Dementia and MCI were diagnosed, respectively, with DSM-IV and Petersen criteria. Performance in activities of daily living (ADL) at three different levels [basic (The Katz Index of Independence), instrumental (Lawton instrumental ADL scale) and advanced (Reuben's advanced ADL scale)], measured through self- and informant-report, as well as awareness (discrepancy between self- and informant-report), were compared between groups. Stepwise regression models explored predictors of ADL and their awareness. Results: PwD showed impairment in all ADL levels, particularly when measured through informant-report. No differences were seen between controls and PwMCI regardless of measurement type. PwD differed in awareness of instrumental and basic, but not of advanced ADL, compared to controls. Age, gender, education and fluency were the most consistent predictors for ADL. Diagnosis was a significant predictor only for instrumental ADL. Awareness of basic ADL was predicted by memory, and awareness of instrumental ADL was predicted by general cognitive status, educational level, and diagnosis. Conclusion: Results reinforce the presence of lack of awareness of ADL in PwD. Use of informant-reports and cognitive testing for fluency are suggested for the clinical assessment of ADL performance. Finally, assessment of instrumental ADL may be crucial for diagnostic purposes.

Exercise with blood flow restriction improves muscle strength and mass while preserving the vascular and microvascular function and structure of older adults.

BACKGROUND: Changes in muscle mass, strength, vascular function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers were compared in older adults after resistance training (RT) performed with low-intensity without blood flow restriction (RT-CON); low-intensity with BFR (RT-BFR); and high-intensity without BFR (RT-HI). METHODS: Thirty-two untrained individuals (72±7 y) performed a 12-week RT after being randomized into three groups: RT-CON -30% of 1 repetition maximum (RM); RT-BFR -30% of 1RM and mild BFR (50% of arterial occlusion pressure); RT-HI -70% of 1 RM. RESULTS: Improvements in handgrip strength were similar in RT-BFR (17%) and RT-HI (16%) vs. RT-CON (-0.1%), but increases in muscle mass (6% vs. 2% and -1%) and IGF-1 (2% vs. -0.1% and -1.5%) were greater (p < 0.05) in RT-BFR vs. RT-HI and RT-CON. Changes in vascular function, morphology, inflammation, and oxidative stress were similar between groups, except for time to reach maximum red blood cell velocity which showed a greater reduction (p < 0.05) in RT-BFR (-55%) vs. RT-HI (-11%) and RT-CON (-4%). CONCLUSION: RT with low intensity and mild BFR improved muscle strength and mass in older individuals while preserving vascular function. This modality should be considered an adjuvant strategy to improve muscle function in older individuals with poor tolerance to high loads.

Correction: Normative reference values of handgrip strength for Brazilian older people aged 65 to 90 years: Evidence from the multicenter Fibra­BR study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250925.].

Association between fear of falling and spatial and temporal parameters of gait in older adults: the FIBRA-RJ study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between fear of falling (FoF) and spatial and temporal parameters of gait in older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 291 clients of a private health care insurance who were over 65 years of age and living in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro City in 2013. FoF was assessed by the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I-BR), and gait parameters, such as gait speed, cadence, step time, step length, stride length, and variability (standard deviation of stride length), were assessed using GAITRite®. The covariates were age, sex, history of falls, number of medications, cognitive decline, body mass index, and sight impairment. The association between FoF and gait parameters was assessed by linear regression, and the respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of FoF was 51.9%. The adjusted analyses showed an association between FoF and the following gait parameters: decreased gait speed, decreased cadence, increased step time, and decreased step and stride length. No association was found between FoF and stride lenght variability. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that FoF is associated with changes in gait parameters, with the exception of stride length variability. These findings show a need for interventions to reduce FoF in older adults, which is a modifiable factor that is related to gait changes. More studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between FoF and motor control of gait in older adults.

Can Social Resources Explain the Limitations in the Activities of Daily Living of Older Adults Classified by the Phenotype of Physical Frailty?

The objective is to investigate the mediating roles of living alone and personal network in the relationship between physical frailty and activities of daily living (ADL) limitations among older adults. 2271 individuals were classified as vulnerable (pre-frail or frail) or robust. Mediating variables were living alone and personal network. Katz Index and Lawton-Brody scale were used to assess ADL. Mediating effects were analyzed with beta coefficients from linear regression models using the bootstrapping method. Mediation analysis showed significant mediating effects of living alone (ß = .011; 95% CI = .004; .018) and personal network (ß = .005; 95% CI = .001; .010) on the relationship between physical frailty and basic ADL limitations. Mediation effects of living alone and personal network on the relationship between physical frailty and instrumental ADL limitations were ß = -.074 (95% CI=-.101; -.046) and ß = -.044 (95% CI = -.076; -.020), respectively. Physically vulnerable older adults who lived alone or had poor personal network were more dependent on basic and instrumental ADL.

Sarcopenia in the elderly versus microcirculation, inflammation status, and oxidative stress: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Age-related mechanisms of sarcopenia associated with vascular function have been recently suggested. This study compared and tested associations between muscle mass and strength, microcirculation, inflammatory biomarkers, and oxidative stress in older adults classified as sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic. METHODS: Thirty-three physically inactive individuals (72±7 yrs) were assigned to age-matched sarcopenic (SG) and non-sarcopenic (NSG) groups. Between-group comparisons were performed for appendicular skeletal mass (ASM), handgrip and isokinetic strength, microvascular function and morphology, C-reactive protein, insulin-like growth factor-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, endothelin-1, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein. RESULTS: ASM and knee isokinetic strength were lower in SG than NSG (P < 0.05). No difference between groups was found for outcomes of microvascular function and morphology, but log-transformed IL-6 concentration was twice greater in SG vs. NSG (P = 0.02). Correlations between ASM index, handgrip and knee isokinetic strength vs. markers of microcirculatory function, capillary diameters, vascular reactivity, and endothelial injury were found only in SG. CONCLUSION: Decreased ASM index and strength have been associated with microcirculatory profile, indicating that microcirculation impairment may be involved somehow in Sarcopenia development. The inflammation status, particularly elevated IL-6, seems to play an important role in this process.

Difficulty in taking medication and stroke among older adults with systemic arterial hypertension: the Fibra Study.

This article aims to investigate whether difficulty in taking medication is associated with stroke among older adults with Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) and to explore their association with living arrangements. Cross-sectional study was based on 3,502 older adults with SAH from the four universities pole of Frailty in Brazilian Older People (Fibra) Study, Brazil, including 14 municipalities of the five Brazilian regions. We used the medical diagnosis of stroke and difficulty in taking medications (self-reported difficulty and financial difficulty affording prescribed medications). Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression. Differently from women, older men with SAH, which report difficulty in taking medication (unintentional non-adherence), have higher odds of stroke. When stratified by living arrangements, those living with a partner have even higher odds of stroke compared to those without difficulty in taking medication and living alone. None association was found for difficulty affording prescribed medication for both men and women. Unintentional difficulty in taking medication plays a role in SAH treatment among men. Primary care strategies for controlling blood pressure should not be focus only on patients but targeting spouses as well.

Geomorphometric environmental fragility of a watershed: a multicriteria spatial approach.

Knowledge and understanding of the functioning of watersheds is essential for constructing future scenarios that aim to minimize instability. However, new approaches including variables, methods, and techniques into traditional methodologies contribute to environmental planning and management of such territorial units. This study aims to propose a model based on a multicriterion spatial approach for the analysis of the geomorphometric environmental fragility of watersheds. This study was conducted in the Murundú-Paiol watershed, located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Morphometric, geological, pedological, hypsometric, slope, land use, and land cover data were evaluated and integrated using geotechnologies for processing and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) considering a weighted linear combination for an integrated spatial analysis of the watershed. The study area shows a greater predisposition to fragility in areas of flat and smooth reliefs, especially around the main river, where there is a greater presence of anthropic areas. The methodology proposed here, which uses a multicriterion spatial approach and AHP, combined with technical and scientific data, allows replicating the model to another watersheds. Modeling was validated in a cooperative way using an in-field, traditional method. The watershed evaluated showed that 49.13% and 26.83% of lands have medium and low fragility, respectively, while about 17% of lands have a high fragility and their management should be a priority. Modeling correlates strongly and positively with fragility class detailing, and field areas corroborate the model proposed here. This evidenced a robust analysis of factors that affect the geomorphometric environmental fragility of watersheds. The method is efficient in contributing to environmental planning and management of this territorial unit.