Estimation of fat mass in Southern Brazilian female adolescents: development and validation of mathematical models / Estimativa da massa gorda em adolescentes do sexo feminino do sul do Brasil: desenvolvimento e validação de modelos matemáticos

abstract This study aimed to develop and validate the first mathematical models, based on anthropometric properties, to estimate fat mass (FM) in a heterogeneous sample of female adolescents. A cross-sectional and quantitative study conducted with 196 individuals aged 12 to 17 years from the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: regression sample (n = 169) and validation sample (n = 27). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used as the reference method to determine body fat in relative and absolute values. Stature, body mass, waist girth and triceps, subscapular, biceps, iliac crest, abdominal, front thigh and medial calf skinfold thickness were defined as independent variables and measured according to an international technical protocol. Statistical analyzes used the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model, paired t test and Pearson correlation. Four multivariate mathematical models with high determination coefficients (R2 ≥90%) and low estimated standard errors (SEE = ≤2.02 kg) were developed. Model 4 stands out for its low number of independent variables and significant statistical performance (R2 = 90%; SEE = 1.92 kg). It is concluded that the four mathematical models developed are valid for estimating FM in female adolescents in southern Brazil.

resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e validar os primeiros modelos matemáticos, baseados em propriedades antropométricas, para estimar a massa gorda (MG) em uma amostra heterogênea de adolescentes do sexo feminino. Estudo transversal e quantitativo conduzido com 196 indivíduos de 12 a 17 anos da região metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. Os participantes foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: amostra de regressão (n = 169) e amostra de validação (n = 27). A absorciometria de raios X de dupla energia (DXA) foi usada como método de referência para determinar a gordura corporal em valores relativos e absolutos. A estatura, a massa corporal, o perímetro da cintura e a espessura das dobras cutâneas do tríceps, subescapular, bíceps, crista ilíaca, abdominal, coxa anterior e panturrilha medial foram definidas como variáveis independentes e mensuradas de acordo com um protocolo técnico internacional. As análises estatísticas utilizaram modelo de regressão Ordinary Least Square (OLS), teste t pareado e correlação de Pearson. Foram desenvolvidos quatro modelos matemáticos multivariados com altos coeficientes de determinação (R2 ≥90%) e baixos erros padrão estimados (SEE = ≤2,02 kg). O modelo 4 destaca-se pelo baixo número de variáveis independentes e desempenho estatístico significativo (R2 = 90%; SEE = 1,92 kg). Conclui-se que os quatro modelos matemáticos desenvolvidos são válidos para estimar a MG em adolescentes do sexo feminino do sul do Brasil

Pinch size can affect the skinfold thickness measurement and interfere in the estimation and classification of body adiposity / O tamanho da pinça pode afetar a medida de espessura das dobras cutâneas e interferir na estimativa e classificação da adiposidade corporal

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the effect of pinch size on skinfold thickness measurement and the consequent interference in the estimation and classification of body adiposity components. Cross-sectional and quantitative study carried out with a sample of 29 subjects recruited from a university in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Four measurement steps were performed at each site of the eight chosen skinfolds. The first step was performed with a subjective-landmark and the three subsequent steps with fixed-landmarks defined with an expanding secondary line at 2 cm intervals. Body adiposity components were determined from the skinfold thickness measured at each landmark. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bland-Altman agreement analysis were applied. The subjective-landmark was chosen as the dependent variable. The 6 cm-landmark showed similarity and statistical agreement with the subjective-landmark for all skinfolds except the thigh, and with the sums of five and eight skinfolds. All fixed-landmarks showed agreement below the cut-off point for the percentile classification of subcutaneous adiposity and normative relative body fat. Variation in pinch size is an important source of TEM that can affect the reproducibility of skinfold thickness measurements and interfere in the estimation and classification of the molecular and tissue component of body adiposity.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito do tamanho da pinça na medida de espessura das dobras cutâneas e a consequente interferência na estimativa e classificação dos componentes da adiposidade corporal. Estudo transversal e quantitativo realizado com amostra de 29 sujeitos recrutados em uma universidade da cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Quatro etapas de medição foram realizadas em cada sítio das oito dobras cutâneas escolhidas. A primeira etapa foi realizada com um marco subjetivo e as três etapas subsequentes com marcos fixos definidos com uma linha secundária expansiva em intervalos de 2 cm. Os componentes da adiposidade corporal foram determinados a partir da espessura de dobras cutâneas mensuradas em cada marco. ANOVA de medidas repetidas e análise de concordância de Bland-Altman foram aplicadas. O marco subjetivo foi escolhido como variável dependente. O marco de 6 cm apresentou semelhança e concordância estatística com o marco subjetivo para todas as dobras cutâneas, exceto a coxa, e com as somas de cinco e oito espessuras de dobras cutâneas. Todos os marcos fixos mostraram concordância abaixo do ponto de corte para a classificação percentílica de adiposidade subcutânea e gordura corporal relativa normativa. A variação no tamanho da pinça é uma importante fonte de ETM que pode afetar a reprodutibilidade de medida de espessura das dobras cutâneas e interferir na confiabilidade da estimativa e classificação do componente molecular e tecidual da adiposidade corporal.

Thermography as an aid for the complementary diagnosis of nodules in the thyroid gland.

BACKGROUND: Considering the estimate that thyroid cancer will become the fourth most prevalent type of tumor, improving its diagnosis is a necessity. The gold standard for evaluating thyroid nodules is ultrasound followed by biopsy. These tests, however, have limitations, especially in nodules smaller than 0.5 cm. Dynamic infrared thermography is an imaging method that does not require ionizing radiation or contrast injection. The aim of the study was to analyze the thermal behavior of thyroid nodules through infrared thermography using the cold stress protocol. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon test showed thermal differences between groups (control and healthy, p < 0.001). The difference in the thermal behavior of the nodular tissues was evidenced by the longitudinal analysis. When comparing the nodules, it was possible to verify that the beginnings of tissue heating is significant (p = 0.001). In addition, the variability analysis showed a "well" effect, which occurred in period t-1 (pre-cooling time) to period t = 3 (time three minutes). Benign nodules had a variation ratio of 1.81 compared to malignant nodules. CONCLUSION: Benign nodules present a different thermal behavior than malignant nodules, and both present different behavior than normal tissue. For the analysis of nodules, the protocol used with cold stress, dynamic thermography and the inclusion of time t-1 were essential for the differentiation of nodules in the thyroid gland. Therefore, we recommend the continuance of these parameters for future studies. METHODS: Thirty-three individuals with nodules in the thyroid region and nine healthy individuals participated in this descriptive exploratory study. In total, 42 nodules were evaluated, 11 malignant and 31 benign. The region of interest was exposed to cold stress for 30 s. First, the image was captured before the cold stress and subsequently, the images were assessed every 30 s, over a 10-min time period after cold stress. The perfusion and the thermal behavior of the tissues were evaluated by longitudinal analysis based on the number of pixels in each time period. The statistical tests of Wilcoxon, F-Snedecor and longitudinal models would assist in data analysis.

A century of skinfolds for body composition estimation: what we learned? / Um século das dobras cutâneas para estimativa da composição corporal: o que aprendemos?

abstract In 2021, we reached the centenary of the creation of the first body composition assessment model based on the use of skinfolds. A hundred years after Matiegka's application in 1921 to the analysis of "human efficiency", this point of view study seeks to bring reflections on the continuous applicability of the method, historical points, relevant advances, and possible projections for the future. Indeed, the comparability of skinfolds with multicompartmental reference methods shows several advantages and disadvantages; if on the one hand we have low cost, speed, and reproducibility, on the other hand we have problems associated with the quality of the equipment, the evaluator's skill and mainly the adequate choice of the predictive model. Thus, when it comes to the assessment of body composition, skinfolds are still a good option for application in different contexts by health professionals as long as the evaluator pays attention to the critical aspects that may represent sources of errors (for example, the level of training/experience, correct skinfold location). Even with the numerous advances in the area, there is solidity and continuity for the application of skinfolds for the future.

resumo No ano de 2021 chegamos ao centenário da criação do primeiro modelo de avaliação da composição corporal a partir do uso de dobras cutâneas. Passado cem anos da aplicação por Matiegka em 1921 para análise da "eficiência humana", esse estudo de ponto de vista busca trazer reflexões sobre a contínua aplicabilidade do método, pontos históricos, avanços relevantes e possíveis projeções para o futuro. De fato, a comparabilidade das dobras cutâneas com métodos de referência multicompartimanentais mostra diversas vantagens e desvantagens; se por um lado temos o baixo custo, rapidez, reprodutibilidade, por outro lado temos problemas associados a qualidade do equipamento, habilidade do avaliador e principalmente a escolha adequada do modelo preditivo. Deste modo, em se tratando de avaliação da composição corporal, as dobras cutâneas continuam sendo uma boa opção de aplicação em diferentes contextos por profissionais da saúde desde que o avaliador se atente aos aspectos críticos que podem representar fontes de erros (por exemplo o nível de treinamento/experiência, local correto da prega cutâneas). Mesmo com os inúmeros avanços da área, percebe-se uma solidez e continuidade para a aplicação das dobras cutâneas para o futuro.

Lean mass reference curves in adolescents using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

The body composition phenotype of low lean mass (LM) has been associated with metabolic disorders and impaired physical functioning in the pediatric population. Abnormalities in body composition may be identified using reference curves; however, no reference data on LM is available for Brazilian adolescents. The purpose of this study was to present reference data, including percentile curves, of whole body LM, lean mass index (LMI), appendicular lean mass (ALM), and fat mass for Southern Brazilian adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 12-17 years from a southern region in Brazil, who had body composition assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Percentile values and reference curves employing the Lambda, Mu and Sigma method (LMS) were computed for LM, LMI (lean mass/height2), ALM and fat mass. Data on 541 adolescents (68.6% boys) was included. Sex differences in growth trajectories were observed for absolute and adjusted LM, with boys presenting greater LM quantity with advancing ages than girls (66.9% and 17.4% difference between the ages of 12 and 17 for boys and girls, respectively). The values corresponding to the lowest percentile (3rd) of LMI ranged between 10.63 to 13.93 kg/m2 in boys and 11.13 to 12.03 kg/m2 among girls aged 12-17 years. This study established the first LM, LMI, and ALM reference curves in Southern Brazilian adolescents, which can potentially be used in association with functional measures to identify LM abnormalities during growth.

Body fat percentage in adolescents from Curitiba-PR metropolitan region: reference data using LMS method / Percentual de gordura corporal em adolescentes de Curitiba-PR e região metropolitana: dados de referência utilizando o método LMS

Abstract Percentile indicators, aided in its development by biomedical engineering, relative to body fat distribution in adolescents are able to help health professionals in better diagnosing overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to calculate percentile values to body fat in adolescents aged between 12 and 17 years from the Curitiba-PR and its metropolitan region composed of 29 municipalities, having as reference method the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology. After applying inclusion criteria for the adolescents, anthropometric measures of body fat and stature were taken, as well as evaluation of the body composition through DXA. The statistical analysis was grounded in the presentation of percentilic values developed by Cole and Green's LMS method, where L stands for the skewness curve, M for the mean curve and S for the variance curve. In total, 390 boys were evaluated. The fat percentage values tend to show a decrease between the ages of 12 (22.8±5.1%) and 16 years (17.9±2.9%). Moreover, for the superior percentiles: 90th and 97th re-start to increase at the age of 17 after showing a decrease in the previous years. The L, M and S parameters, altogether with the percentiles created to evaluate body fat are interesting tools to tendency and evolution analyses, as well as to enable inferences to be made about the body composition of adolescents.

Resumo Indicadores percentílicos referentes a distribuição da gordura corporal em adolescentes auxiliam profissionais da saúde em um melhor diagnóstico de sobrepeso e obesidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi calcular valores percentílicos para a gordura corporal de adolescentes com idades entre 12-17 anos de Curitiba-PR e região metropolitana formada ao todo por 29 municípios, tendo como método de referência a tecnologia de absorciometria de raios-X de dupla energia (DXA). Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão os adolescentes foram coletadas medidas antropométricas de massa corporal e estatura, além da avaliação da composição corporal com auxílio da DXA. A análise estatística teve como base a apresentação de valores percentílicos a partir do método LMS de Cole e Green, onde L representa a curva de assimetria, M a curva da média e S a curva da variação. Foram avaliados 390 meninos. Os valores de percentual de gordura tendem a apresentar um decréscimo entre as idades de 12 (22.8±5.1%) e 16 anos (17.9±2.9%). Além disso, para os percentis superiores: 90th e 97th voltam a crescer na faixa de 17 anos após redução nas idades anteriores. Os parâmetros L, M e S e os percentis criados para percentual de gordura são ferramentas interessantes para análises de tendência e evolução, bem como para que se façam inferências sobre a composição corporal de adolescentes.

Prevalence of excessive body fat among adolescents of a south Brazilian metropolitan region and State capital, associated risk factors, and consequences.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight/obesity has become a major concern for public health in developing countries. Risk factors need to be well documented so that these countries develop public policies to fight the problem. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of excess fat among adolescents of a South Brazilian State Capital associated with risk factors and their consequences. METHODS: This study was conducted between 2014 and 2016 with adolescents aged 11-18 years. The following body composition measurements were collected: body mass, height, waist circumference, fat mass and bone mineral density (this latter through dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). Biochemical data as glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were also collected. Finally, socioeconomic questionnaires were applied, as well as questionnaires regarding: the education level of guardians, active transportation, time spent with sedentary activities and physical activities. Odds ratios and chi-square test were applied in statistical analysis. RESULTS: Data from 675 adolescents, from which 70% were males, were analyzed. The mean age was 14.7 ± 1.8 years. The prevalence of excess fat was 18.2% in boys and 92.1% in girls. As for sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity, having one of these factors increased the risk of being overweight by 7.9 times for boys and 3.0 times for girls. In boys, there was a significant association between excess fat and waist circumference (p = 0.000; OR = 13.5; CI = 7.0-25.9), physical activity level (p = 0.000; OR = 4.0; CI = 2.5-6.5), triglycerides (p = 0.019; OR = 2.2; CI = 1.1-4.2) and total cholesterol (p = 0.000; OR = 2.6; CI = 1.6-4.5). In girls, there was an association between having excess fat and an increase in total cholesterol (p = 0.000; OR = 8.0; CI = 2.6-24.4). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of excess fat was greater than what was described by some studies conducted in developed countries. This reality demonstrates the need to implement public policies that can directly promote the reduction of sedentary habits and reinforce the importance of adopting an active lifestyle.

Body composition and prediction equations using skinfold thickness for body fat percentage in Southern Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to: a) determine the nutritional status of Brazilian adolescents, and; b) present a skinfold thickness model (ST) to estimate body fat developed with Brazilian samples, using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as reference method. METHODS: The main study group was composed of 374 adolescents, and further 42 adolescents for the validation group. Weight, height, waist circumference measurements, and body mass index (BMI) were collected, as well as nine ST-biceps (BI), triceps (TR), chest (CH), axillary (AX) subscapularis (SB), abdominal (AB), suprailiac (SI), medial thigh (TH), calf (CF), and fat percentage (%BF) obtained by DXA. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight in adolescents was 20.9%, and obesity 5.8%. Regression analysis through ordinary least square method (OLS) allowed obtainment of three equations with values of R2 = 0.935, 0.912 and 0.850, standard error estimated = 1.79, 1.78 and 1.87, and bias = 0.06, 0.20 and 0.05, respectively. CONCLUSION: the innovation of this study lies in presenting new regression equations for predicting body fat in Southern Brazilian adolescents based on a representative and heterogeneous sample from DXA.

Portable A-Mode Ultrasound for Body Composition Assessment in Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound (US) imaging is a low-cost, highly feasible alternative method for monitoring the nutritional status of a population; however, only a few studies have tested the body composition agreement between US and reference standard methods, especially in adolescents. The purposes of this study were to assess the agreement of portable US with a reference standard method, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), for body fat percentage (BF%) in adolescents and to verify whether the use of a new mathematical model, based on the anatomic thickness obtained by US, is capable of improving BF% prediction. METHODS: This research was a descriptive study. Measures of total body mass, BF% on DXA, and BF% on US were collected from 105 adolescents. RESULTS: The participants included 71 male adolescents (median age ± interquartile range, 14.0 ± 2.0 years) and 34 female adolescents (13.0 ± 2.3 years). Ultrasound yielded significantly lower BF% values than DXA for male (mean ± SD, US, 9.6% ± 6.6%; DXA, 20.0% ± 7.2%; R= 0.848; P< .05) and female (US, 22.5% ± 5.7%; DXA, 30.3% ± 4.9%; R = 0.495; P < .05) participants. In addition, Bland-Altman analysis showed low concordance. When a multivariate regression was tested, the results improved for both sexes (US, 20.3% ± 4.6%; R= 0.848; P= .503) and female participants (US, 29.0% ± 5.7%; R = 0.712; P = .993) with a standard estimate of error of 1.57%. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that US applied in a specific regression for BF% prediction in adolescents has a strong correlation with DXA as well as concordance with Bland-Altman analysis.

Obesity Impact Evaluated from Fat Percentage in Bone Mineral Density of Male Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze bone mineral density (BMD) values in adolescents and to assess obesity impact, measured through body fat #x2013;on this variable through the assessment by DEXA. METHODOLOGY: A total of 318 males adolescents (12-17 years) were evaluated considering weight, height, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), fat and lean mass. BMD was assessed for the arms, legs, hips, and lumbar regions, as well as for total amount. Stratification of the nutritional status was determined by body fat (%BF) percentage; comparison of groups was scrutinized by analysis of variance; and the association of variables was performed using Pearson's test. RESULTS: There was a progressive increase in weight, height, and BMD for all evaluated age groups following the advance of chronological age. A negative correlation was found between the %BF with BMD in all evaluated segments. Significant differences were found between the eutrophic group compared to the overweight group and the obesity group in the evaluated segments (P <0.01) noting a reduction of up to 12.92% for the lumbar region between eutrophic and obese. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that increase %BF is associated with lower BMD among male adolescents.

Portable A-Mode Ultrasound for Body Composition Assessment in Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound (US) imaging is a low-cost, highly feasible alternative method for monitoring the nutritional status of a population; however, only a few studies have tested the body composition agreement between US and reference standard methods, especially in adolescents. The purposes of this study were to assess the agreement of portable US with a reference standard method, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), for body fat percentage (BF%) in adolescents and to verify whether the use of a new mathematical model, based on the anatomic thickness obtained by US, is capable of improving BF% prediction. METHODS: This research was a descriptive study. Measures of total body mass, BF% on DXA, and BF% on US were collected from 105 adolescents. RESULTS: The participants included 71 male adolescents (median age ・} interquartile range, 14.0 ・} 2.0 years) and 34 female adolescents (13.0 ・} 2.3 years). Ultrasound yielded significantly lower BF% values than DXA for male (mean ・} SD, US, 9.6% ・} 6.6%; DXA, 20.0% ・} 7.2%; R= 0.848; P< .05) and female (US, 22.5% ・} 5.7%; DXA, 30.3% ・} 4.9%; R = 0.495; P < .05) participants. In addition, Bland-Altman analysis showed low concordance. When a multivariate regression was tested, the results improved for both sexes (US, 20.3% ・} 4.6%; R= 0.848; P= .503) and female participants (US, 29.0% ・} 5.7%; R= 0.712; P = .993) with a standard estimate of error of 1.57%. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that US applied in a specific regression for BF% prediction in adolescents

Comparação do percentual de gordura obtido por bioimpedância, ultrassom e dobras cutâneas em adultos jovens / Comparison of the fat percentage obtained by bioimpedance, ultrasound and skinfolds in young adults

OBJETIVO: Comparar o ultrassom (US) portátil e a bioimpedância elétrica (BIA) com as dobras cutâneas (DC) para estimar o percentual de gordura corporal em adultos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 195 militares, sexo masculino, sendo coletados: peso, estatura, percentual de gordura por bioimpedância, dobras cutâneas e ultrassom (US) em nove pontos (tríceps, subescapular, bíceps, peitoral, médio axilar, abdominal, suprailíaca, coxa e panturrilha). Além da estatística descritiva, foram utilizados gráficos de dispersão, o teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov, coeficiente de correlação π (rho) de Spearman, o Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test e a regressão linear para a elaboração de uma nova equação para a estimativa do percentual de gordura corporal em adultos jovens (do sexo masculino). RESULTADOS: O grupo apresentou idade média de 23,07 ± 7,55 anos, para peso e estatura os valores da média e desvio padrão foram: 72,65 ± 10,40 kg; 1,74 ± 0,06 metros, respectivamente. Comparando os resultados entre US e DC, verificaram-se correlações significativas para todos os pontos avaliados, sendo a prega da coxa a com maior correlação, seguida pelo peitoral. Comparando-se os três métodos, o US apresentou melhor correlação com a BIA do que com as DC. Pode-se propor uma nova equação de estimativa do percentual de gordura por US, que apresentou uma melhor correlação com o método das DC do que aquela utilizada pelo próprio equipamento. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível verificar que na população estudada o US e a BIA podem estimar o percentual de gordura corporal com boas correlações com o método da DC.

INTRODUCTIONS E OBJECTIVE: To compare portable ultrasound (US) and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) with skinfolds (SF) to estimate body fat percentage in adults. METHODS: 195 military men were assessed and they had their weight, height, body fat by bioimpedance, skinfold in 9 points and ultrasound (US) collected. Linear Regression was used for the development of a new equation for body fat percentage estimation in young adults (males). RESULTS: The group had mean age of 23.07 ± 7.55 years and height and weight with mean and standard deviation of 72.65 ± 10.40 kg, 1.74 ± 0.06 meters, respectively. Comparing the results between the US and SF, there was significant correlation for all points evaluated, with the thigh skinfold presenting the highest correlation, followed by the chest one. When the three methods are compared, the US presented better correlation with the BIA than with SF. A new equation for estimation of fat percentage by US can hence be proposed. CONCLUSIONS: It was noticed that in the studied population, US and BIA can estimate the body fat percentage with good correlations with the SF method.

Comparação dos níveis de mobilidade e equilíbrio em idosas praticantes e não praticantes de exercício físico / Comparison of levels of mobility and balance in elderly women practitioners and not practitioners of exercise

Este estudo objetivou descrever e comparar a mobilidade e equilíbrio em idosas praticantes e não praticantes de exercício físico. A amostra (n=42) foi dividida em: praticantes de exercício físico regular e não praticantes, onde se aplicou o teste de mobilidade “Time up & Go” e a escala de equilíbrio funcional de Berg. As diferenças entre os grupos foram analisadas pelo teste t para amostras independentes e, o teste de Pearson para correlação das variáveis. Os resultados apontam que idosas ativas obtiveram melhores resultados em ambos os testes. Foi observada uma forte correlação entre os dois testes (r = -0,808; p < 0,05). Conclui-se que idosas praticantes de exercícios físicos regulares apontam melhores níveis de mobilidade e equilíbrio quando comparadas com não-praticantes.(AU)

This study aimed to compare the mobility and balance in elderly women practitioners and not practitioners of exercise. The sample (n=42) was classified as: regular physical exercise practitioners (n=20) and not practitioners (n=22), where he applied the test of mobility “Time Up & Go” (TUG) and the scale of functional balance of Berg (Berg Balance Scale – BBS). The results show that active elderly had better results in both test: 8.73 ± 1.33 seconds and 47 ± 3.22 points in the active ones against 10.66 ± 2.55 seconds and 41.83 ± 6 points to sedentary in the tests TUG and BBS, respectively. It was also observed a strong correlation between the two tests r = -0.808; p <0.05. It was concluded that elderly women engaged in regular physical exercise show greater levels of mobility and balance when compared with non-athletes.(AU)

Comparação dos níveis de mobilidade e equilíbrio em idosas praticantes e não praticantes de exercício físico / Comparison of levels of mobility and balance in elderly women practitioners and not practitioners of exercise

Este estudo objetivou descrever e comparar a mobilidade e equilíbrio em idosas praticantes e não praticantes de exercício físico. A amostra (n=42) foi dividida em: praticantes de exercício físico regular e não praticantes, onde se aplicou o teste de mobilidade “Time up & Go” e a escala de equilíbrio funcional de Berg. As diferenças entre os grupos foram analisadas pelo teste t para amostras independentes e, o teste de Pearson para correlação das variáveis. Os resultados apontam que idosas ativas obtiveram melhores resultados em ambos os testes. Foi observada uma forte correlação entre os dois testes (r = -0,808; p < 0,05). Conclui-se que idosas praticantes de exercícios físicos regulares apontam melhores níveis de mobilidade e equilíbrio quando comparadas com não-praticantes.

This study aimed to compare the mobility and balance in elderly women practitioners and not practitioners of exercise. The sample (n=42) was classified as: regular physical exercise practitioners (n=20) and not practitioners (n=22), where he applied the test of mobility “Time Up & Go” (TUG) and the scale of functional balance of Berg (Berg Balance Scale – BBS). The results show that active elderly had better results in both test: 8.73 ± 1.33 seconds and 47 ± 3.22 points in the active ones against 10.66 ± 2.55 seconds and 41.83 ± 6 points to sedentary in the tests TUG and BBS, respectively. It was also observed a strong correlation between the two tests r = -0.808; p <0.05. It was concluded that elderly women engaged in regular physical exercise show greater levels of mobility and balance when compared with non-athletes.