Quality of Life, Sleep, and Health of Air Traffic Controllers With Rapid Counterclockwise Shift Rotation.

Rotating shiftwork is common for air traffic controllers and usually causes sleep deprivation, biological adaptations, and life changes for these workers. This study assessed quality of life, the sleep, and the health of 30 air traffic controllers employed at an international airport in Brazil. The objective was to identify health and quality of life concerns of these professionals. The results identified physical inactivity, overweight, excess body fat, low scores for physical and social relationships, and sleep deprivation for workers in all four workshifts. In conclusion, these workers are at risk for chronic non-transmittable diseases and compromised work performance, suggesting the need for more rest time before working nightshifts and work environments that stimulate physical activity and healthy diets.

Quality of Life, Health, and Sleep of Air Traffic Controllers with Different Shift Systems.

BACKGROUND: Air traffic controllers (ATC) work shifts and their work schedules vary according to the characteristics of each airport. The human body adapts to shiftwork differently. These adjustments affect the health-disease process, predisposing ATC to risk conditions associated with sleep deprivation and lack of night sleep, which can lead to conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, mood disorders, anxiety, and obesity. This study investigated the characteristics of health, sleep, and quality of life of ATC exposed to 8-h alternate work shifts and 6-h rotational work shifts. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional with convenience samples consisting of 84 ATC from two international airports in Brazil. We applied questionnaires to collect data about socioeconomic conditions, quality of life, sleep, and physical activity levels. We also collected health data regarding nutritional status, body composition, and blood pressure. We analyzed the differences between ATC from the two airports considering the variables of sleep, quality of life, and health. RESULTS: Differences were found between the groups in terms of body fat percentage (30.7% and 27.8%), scores of overall quality of life (56.2 and 68), concentration (3.37 and 3.96), energy (3.12 and 3.62), and sleep time on working days (5:20 h and 6:15 h). CONCLUSION: ATC under 8-h alternate shifts showed lower scores for quality of life, higher body fat, and less sleep time on working days, which characterizes inadequate shiftwork for this population.

The relationship between risk factors for metabolic syndrome in the physically active elderly / A relação entre os fatores de risco para a síndrome metabólica em idosos fisicamente ativos

Aging has a significant impact on the decrease of lean body mass and physical activity level, being related to the reduction in basal metabolic rate and the increase of overweight and obesity in the elderly. The aim of this study is to identify correlations among the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) from the measurement of abdominal perimeter (AP) and body mass index (BMI) with blood parameters for fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in active elderly people. Measurements of weight and height were adopted to classify criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO) and to calculate BMI. The measurement of AP was done in centimeters. Blood parameters for FBG, TC, and TG were assessed by collecting blood from the fingertip and analyzing it using the Accutrend Plus (Roche) equipment. For data analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient between anthropometric measures (independent variables) and blood parameters (dependent variables) was calculated. Simple linear regression was applied to the significant variables (0.05%). The BMI assessment shows 71% of the elderly were overweight and 34% were obese. Over the cut-off point recommended, 57% of the sample was indicated by AP. The correlation test shows evidence regarding the existence of a significant association between FBG and AP and also between AP and TG as compared to the use of BMI. The AP measurement seems to be an efficient indication of the relationship between risk factors for MS and should be incorporated into routines to assess the elderly as an indicator of abdominal obesity.

O envelhecimento tem um impacto significativo na diminuição de massa magra e do nível de atividade física, estando relacionado à redução na taxa metabólica basal e ao aumento de sobrepeso e obesidade em idosos. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar correlações entre os fatores de risco da síndrome metabólica (SM) e a medição do perímetro abdominal (PA) e do índice de massa corporal (IMC) com os parâmetros sanguíneos de glicemia de jejum (GJ), colesterol total (CT) e triglicerídeos (TG) em idosos ativos. Para cálculo do IMC, foram coletadas medidas de peso e altura e adotados os critérios de classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). A medida do PA foi efetuada em centímetros. Os parâmetros sanguíneos de GJ, CT e TGL foram avaliados pelo método de coleta de sangue na ponta de dedo com leitura em equipamento Accutrend Plus (Roche). Para análise dos resultados, foi realizado o cálculo do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson entre as medidas antropométricas (variáveis independentes) e parâmetros sanguíneos (variáveis dependentes). A regressão linear simples foi aplicada sobre as variáveis significativas (0.05%). A avaliação do IMC mostrou que 71% dos idosos estavam acima do peso e 34% eram obesos. No ponto de corte recomendado, 57% da amostra foram indicados por PA. O teste de correlação mostrou evidências sobre a existência de uma associação significativa entre GJ e PA e também entre PA e TG em comparação ao uso do IMC. A medição de PA parece seruma indicação eficaz da relação entre os fatores de risco para a SM e deve ser incorporada nas rotinas para avaliar idosos como um indicador de obesidade abdominal.

The relationship between risk factors for metabolic syndrome in the physically active elderly / A relação entre os fatores de risco para a síndrome metabólica em idosos fisicamente ativos

Aging has a significant impact on the decrease of lean body mass and physical activity level, being related to the reduction in basal metabolic rate and the increase of overweight and obesity in the elderly. The aim of this study is to identify correlations among the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) from the measurement of abdominal perimeter (AP) and body mass index (BMI) with blood parameters for fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in active elderly people. Measurements of weight and height were adopted to classify criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO) and to calculate BMI. The measurement of AP was done in centimeters. Blood parameters for FBG, TC, and TG were assessed by collecting blood from the fingertip and analyzing it using the Accutrend Plus (Roche) equipment. For data analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient between anthropometric measures (independent variables) and blood parameters (dependent variables) was calculated. Simple linear regression was applied to the significant variables (0.05%). The BMI assessment shows 71% of the elderly were overweight and 34% were obese. Over the cut-off point recommended, 57% of the sample was indicated by AP. The correlation test shows evidence regarding the existence of a significant association between FBG and AP and also between AP and TG as compared to the use of BMI. The AP measurement seems to be an efficient indication of the relationship between risk factors for MS and should be incorporated into routines to assess the elderly as an indicator of abdominal obesity. (AU)

O envelhecimento tem um impacto significativo na diminuição de massa magra e do nível de atividade física, estando relacionado à redução na taxa metabólica basal e ao aumento de sobrepeso e obesidade em idosos. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar correlações entre os fatores de risco da síndrome metabólica (SM) e a medição do perímetro abdominal (PA) e do índice de massa corporal (IMC) com os parâmetros sanguíneos de glicemia de jejum (GJ), colesterol total (CT) e triglicerídeos (TG) em idosos ativos. Para cálculo do IMC, foram coletadas medidas de peso e altura e adotados os critérios de classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). A medida do PA foi efetuada em centímetros. Os parâmetros sanguíneos de GJ, CT e TGL foram avaliados pelo método de coleta de sangue na ponta de dedo com leitura em equipamento Accutrend Plus (Roche). Para análise dos resultados, foi realizado o cálculo do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson entre as medidas antropométricas (variáveis independentes) e parâmetros sanguíneos (variáveis dependentes). A regressão linear simples foi aplicada sobre as variáveis significativas (0.05%). A avaliação do IMC mostrou que 71% dos idosos estavam acima do peso e 34% eram obesos. No ponto de corte recomendado, 57% da amostra foram indicados por PA. O teste de correlação mostrou evidências sobre a existência de uma associação significativa entre GJ e PA e também entre PA e TG em comparação ao uso do IMC. A medição de PA parece seruma indicação eficaz da relação entre os fatores de risco para a SM e deve ser incorporada nas rotinas para avaliar idosos como um indicador de obesidade abdominal. (AU)

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de um grupo de tabagistas no processo de cessação do tabaco: a questão da atividade física / Evaluation of the quality of life ofa group of smokers in the processof ceasing of the tobacco: the question of the physical activity

O tabagismo é reconhecido como uma dependência química que expõe os indivíduos ao uso de substâncias psicoativas e está classificado internacionalmente pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) no grupo dos transtornos mentais e de comportamento (CID 10). A qualidade de vida tem sido utilizada nos últimos anos, como uma medida para avaliar o impacto tanto do tabagismo quanto das doenças associadas na vida do indivíduo. A prática regular da atividade física pode ser um instrumento favorável no controle da ansiedade e outras alterações orgânicas que podem ocorrer no processo de cessação do tabaco. Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida de um grupo de tabagistas inseridos no Programa de Controle do Tabagismo pré e pós a intervenção de um programa de atividade física. Materiais e Métodos: essa é uma pesquisa qualitativa, classificada como um estudo de caso avaliativo realizada em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde na cidade de Campinas, SP. Os 03 (três) sujeitos participantes eram tabagistas há mais de 20 anos e estavam inseridos no Programa de Controle do Tabagismo. Foram utilizados como instrumentos de avaliação o WHOQOL-bref e o Teste de Fagerstrom e aplicados nos momentos pré e pós intervenção realizada através de um programa de atividade física. Resultados: por meio do WHO-QOL-bref foi observado um aumento entre os valores das facetas relacionadas com a aparência física e satisfação pessoal. O Teste de Fagerstrom demonstrou uma diminuição do grau de dependência do tabagismo, através do aumento do tempo de acendimento do primeiro cigarro e uma diminuição do número de cigarros consumidos ao dia pelos sujeitos. Conclusão: essa pesquisa demonstrou que um programa de atividade física vinculado ao Programa de Controle do Tabagismo, pode servir como um instrumento favorável à adesão do tabagista ao processo de cessação, beneficiando a qualidade de vida dessa população...

Smoking is currently recognized as a chemical dependency that exposes the individuals to psychoactive substance usage and is internationally classified by the World Health Organization (OMS) as the group of mental upheavals and behavior (CID 10). The evaluation of the quality of life has been used in recent years, as a measure in sucha way to evaluate the impact of the tobacco how much of the illnesses associates in the life of the individual. Practical the regular one of the physical activity can be a favorable instrument in the control of the anxiety and other organic alterations that can occur in the process of ceasing of the tobacco. Objective: to evaluate the quality of life of a group of smokers inserted in the Smoking Control Program before and after the intervention of a program of physical activity. Materials and Methods: it is a qualitative research classified as an evaluation case study in a Basic Unit of Health in the city of Campinas, SP. The 03 (three) participants were smokers more than have 20 years and inserted in the Smoking Control Program. The evaluation instruments were: WHOQOL-bref and Test of Fagerstrom, had been applied at the moments before and after the intervention of the program of physical activity. Results: by means of WHOQOL-bref analysis was observed enters the values of facetas related with the physical appearance and personal satisfaction. The Test of Fagerstrom demonstrated a reduction of the degree of dependence of the tobacco, through the increase of the time of firing of the first cigarette and a reduction of the number of cigarettes consumed to the day for the participants. Conclusion: this study demonstrated that a physical activity program tied with that a Smoking Control Program it can serve as an instrument favorable to the adhesion of he smoker to the ceasing process, benefiting the quality of life of this population...

Análise comparativa da qualidade de vida de adultos e idosos envolvidos com a prática regular de atividade física / Comparative analysis of quality of life of adult and elderly involved in the practice of regular physical activity

OBJETIVO: Identificar diferenças na qualidade de vida de adultos e idosos, ambos praticantes de atividade física. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 117 sujeitos praticantes de atividade física, com idade entre 40 e 80 anos. Para a caracterização da amostra, foram analisadas as variáveis idade, sexo, renda familiar e escolaridade. Para a comparação entre os grupos de adultos e idosos, foram analisadas as variáveis peso, estatura, índice de massa corporal, domínios e facetas da qualidade de vida (Whoqol-Bref). O teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi aplicado para análise da normalidade e o teste de Mann-Whitney, para a comparação de medidas contínuas ou ordenáveis entre dois grupos independentes; adotou-se valor de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas diferenças significantes para os domínios psicológico, relações sociais e qualidade de vida geral, sendo que os idosos apresentaram os maiores valores médios. CONCLUSÃO: Idosos ativos, comparados aos adultos ativos, percebem melhor qualidade de vida nos aspectos da vida ativa, do desempenho das atividades da vida diária, da aceitação da aparência física, satisfação financeira e disponibilidade de tempo para as atividades de lazer. .

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to identify differences in the quality of life of elderly and adults engaged in physical activity. METHODS: One hundred seventeen subjects engaged in physical activity, aged between 40 and 80 years, were investigated. To characterize the sample, the variables age, sex, income and educational level were analyzed. For comparison between groups of adults and the elderly were analyzed variables weight, height, body mass index, domains and facets of quality of life (Whoqol-Bref). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to analyze normality, and the Mann-Whitney test compared continuous or sortable between two independent groups; the value adopted was p<0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were found for the psychological domain, social relationships domain and overall, and the elderly had the highest mean values. CONCLUSION: Active elderly, compared to active adults, have better perception of quality of life aspects from active life, the performance of activities of daily living, the acceptance of physical appearance, financial satisfaction and time availability for leisure activities. .

Perfil epidemiológico e socioeconômico de idosos ativos: qualidade de vida associada com renda, escolaridade e morbidades / Epidemiological and socioeconomic profile of active seniors: quality of life associated with income, scholarity and morbidities

Os componentes do perfil epidemiológico e social de idosos parecem ter forte associação com a percepção subjetiva da qualidade de vida. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a associação entre qualidade de vida e os aspectos socioeconômicos e de saúde de idosos ativos. Foram estudados 82 idosos com idade média de 68,08 (DP=4,36) anos, participantes da Universidade da Terceira Idade – UnATI – da cidade de Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brasil. A percepção da qualidade de vida foi mensurada utilizando o WHOQOLBREF. Idade, gênero, renda, estado civil, escolaridade, nível socioeconômico, número de morbidades, circunferência abdominal e IMC foram elencadas como variáveis independentes. As associações entre a percepção da qualidade de vida e as variá veis independentes foram avaliadas pelos testes do qui-quadrado para as variáveis categóricas e pelos testes T-student ou Mann-Whitney, quando necessário, para as variáveis contínuas. O nível de significância adotado foi 5% de probabilidade ou o p-valor correspondente. A análise dos dados indicou a possível influência das variáveis renda, morbidades e escolaridade nos diversos domínios da qualidade de vida. Os idosos com maior poder aquisitivo são menos acometidos por doenças, têm níveis mais elevados de educação e informam ter melhor qualidade de vida. Concluímos que o perfil epidemiológico e social interfere na qualidade de vida de idosos ativos.

The components of social and epidemiological profile of elderly seem to have a strong association with the subjective perception of quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the association between quality of life and socioeconomic and health aspects of active seniors. 82 subjects with a mean age of 68.08 (SD = 4.36) years were studied, all attending the University of Third Age – UnATI - in the city of Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The perception of quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. Age, gender, income, marital status, scholarity, socioeconomic status, number of morbidities BMI and abdominal circumference were listed as independent variables. The associations between the perception of quality of life and the independent variables were assessed by chi-square tests for categorical variables and by the Student’s t-tests or Mann-Whitney, when appropriate, for continuous variables. The level of significance used was 5% of probability or the corresponding p-value. Data analysis indicated the possible influence of the variables income, morbidities and scholarity on various domains of quality of life. Elderly people with higher incomes are less affected by diseases, have higher education levels and report better quality of life. We conclude that the epidemiological and social profile interferes in the quality of life of active seniors.

Perfil epidemiológico e socioeconômico de idosos ativos: qualidade de vida associada com renda, escolaridade e morbidades / Epidemiological and socioeconomic profile of active seniors: quality of life associated with income, scholarity and morbidities

Os componentes do perfil epidemiológico e social de idosos parecem ter forte associação com a percepção subjetiva da qualidade de vida. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a associação entre qualidade de vida e os aspectos socioeconômicos e de saúde de idosos ativos. Foram estudados 82 idosos com idade média de 68,08 (DP=4,36) anos, participantes da Universidade da Terceira Idade – UnATI – da cidade de Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brasil. A percepção da qualidade de vida foi mensurada utilizando o WHOQOLBREF. Idade, gênero, renda, estado civil, escolaridade, nível socioeconômico, número de morbidades, circunferência abdominal e IMC foram elencadas como variáveis independentes. As associações entre a percepção da qualidade de vida e as variá veis independentes foram avaliadas pelos testes do qui-quadrado para as variáveis categóricas e pelos testes T-student ou Mann-Whitney, quando necessário, para as variáveis contínuas. O nível de significância adotado foi 5% de probabilidade ou o p-valor correspondente. A análise dos dados indicou a possível influência das variáveis renda, morbidades e escolaridade nos diversos domínios da qualidade de vida. Os idosos com maior poder aquisitivo são menos acometidos por doenças, têm níveis mais elevados de educação e informam ter melhor qualidade de vida. Concluímos que o perfil epidemiológico e social interfere na qualidade de vida de idosos ativos.(AU)

The components of social and epidemiological profile of elderly seem to have a strong association with the subjective perception of quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the association between quality of life and socioeconomic and health aspects of active seniors. 82 subjects with a mean age of 68.08 (SD = 4.36) years were studied, all attending the University of Third Age – UnATI - in the city of Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The perception of quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. Age, gender, income, marital status, scholarity, socioeconomic status, number of morbidities BMI and abdominal circumference were listed as independent variables. The associations between the perception of quality of life and the independent variables were assessed by chi-square tests for categorical variables and by the Student’s t-tests or Mann-Whitney, when appropriate, for continuous variables. The level of significance used was 5% of probability or the corresponding p-value. Data analysis indicated the possible influence of the variables income, morbidities and scholarity on various domains of quality of life. Elderly people with higher incomes are less affected by diseases, have higher education levels and report better quality of life. We conclude that the epidemiological and social profile interferes in the quality of life of active seniors.(AU)

The relationship between physical aspects of quality of life and extreme levels of regular physical activity in adults.

This study aimed to check for any significant differences in perceived quality of life, specifically aspects of a physical nature, among volunteers who are more physically active and those less physically active in a university community. The sample consisted of 1,966 volunteers in a university community in Brazil. To assess physical activity levels, volunteers responded to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and to analyse the perception of quality of life they responded to WHOQOL-bref, which is classified into three groups according to level of physical activity, taking into account the metabolic equivalent index (MET) over a full week. For comparison, consideration was given to the first and third tertiles, respectively, namely groups of more and less active students. The results indicated that individuals who engaged in more physical activity had a more positive perception of quality of life compared to those who were less active in physical aspects related to the ability to work, energy for day-to-day activities and locomotion.

The relationship between physical aspects of quality of life and extreme levels of regular physical activity in adults / Relação entre os aspectos físicos da qualidade de vida e níveis extremos de atividade física regular em adultos / Relación entre la calidad de vida y niveles extremos de actividad física regular en adultos

This study aimed to check for any significant differences in perceived quality of life, specifically aspects of a physical nature, among volunteers who are more physically active and those less physically active in a university community. The sample consisted of 1,966 volunteers in a university community in Brazil. To assess physical activity levels, volunteers responded to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and to analyse the perception of quality of life they responded to WHOQOL-bref, which is classified into three groups according to level of physical activity, taking into account the metabolic equivalent index (MET) over a full week. For comparison, consideration was given to the first and third tertiles, respectively, namely groups of more and less active students. The results indicated that individuals who engaged in more physical activity had a more positive perception of quality of life compared to those who were less active in physical aspects related to the ability to work, energy for day-to-day activities and locomotion.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a percepção da qualidade de vida, entre os voluntários mais fisicamente ativos e os menos fisicamente ativos de uma comunidade universitária. A amostra foi formada por 1.966 voluntários entre estudantes e servidores de uma comunidade universitária do Brasil. Para a avaliação do nível de atividade física foi utilizado o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ) e para análise da percepção da qualidade de vida o WHOQOL-bref. Os participantes foram classificados em três grupos considerando o índice de equivalente metabólico (MET) ao longo de uma semana completa. A análise do nível de atividade física indicou, dentre os 1.966 avaliados, 51,5% ativos, 14% muito ativos, 21,3% insuficientemente ativo B; 4,7% insuficientemente ativo A e 5,8% sedentários. Os dados sugerem associação entre a prática da atividade física e percepção positiva da qualidade de vida nos aspectos do domínio físico que estão relacionados com a capacidade para o trabalho, energia para as atividades do dia a dia e locomoção.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar la calidad de vida percibida por los voluntarios que son físicamente más activos y los menos activos en una comunidad universitaria. La muestra, constituida por 1.966 voluntarios, estaba formada por estudiantes y personal docente en una comunidad universitaria en Brasil. Para evaluar el nivel de actividad física, se utilizó Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ), y para la percepción de la calidad de vida: WHOQOL-bref. Los participantes se clasificaron en tres grupos, según el nivel de actividad física, teniendo en cuenta índice equivalente metabólico (MET) durante una semana completa. El nivel de actividad física mostró que la muestra se clasificó como un 51,5% activo; un 14% muy activo; B un 21,3% insuficientemente activo; un 4,7% insuficientemente activo A y un 5,8% eran sedentarios. Las personas que participan en más actividades físicas tenían una percepción más positiva de la calidad de vida, en los aspectos físicos relacionados con la capacidad de trabajo, energía para las actividades del día a día y la locomoción, en comparación con aquellos que eran menos activos.

Effects of physical activity programmes in the workplace (PAPW) on the perception and intensity of musculoskeletal pain experienced by garment workers.

OBJECTIVE: The physical activity programmes in the workplace (PAPW) are applied to minimize the prevalence, incidence and intensity of pain. This study evaluated the perception of pain and quantifies its intensity among garment workers before and after performing a PAPW. PARTICIPANTS: We included 61 workers of a clothing company, who were classified randomly into experimental group (n = 44) 28.7 ± 8.8 years old and a control group (n = 17) 27.8 ± 7.4 years (20-43 years). METHODS: The Trigger Points test questionnaire was used to assess pain perception and quantify its intensity. The PAPW was conducted in 15-minute sessions per day, consisting of stretching exercises (40%), muscular endurance (40%), self-massage relaxation and massage techniques (10%), and group dynamics (10%). RESULTS: The garment workers who participated in the PAPW showed a significant reduction of pain felt in the neck and wrists, and also a reduction in pain intensity in shoulders, arms, fingers and wrists that are most often strained during sewing. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that PAPW that target muscle groups that are more tense in sewing tasks, may be considered by companies for supporting adaptation to the work environment and improving health by reducing muscle and joint pain.

Consumo alimentar, estado nutricional e nível de atividade física em comunidade universitária brasileira / Food intake, nutritional status and level of physical activity in a Brazilian university community

OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a variabilidade e a frequência do consumo alimentar, o estado nutricional e o nível de atividade física em uma comunidade universitária brasileira. MÉTODOS: A amostra constitui-se de 303 voluntários (130 homens e 173 mulheres) pertencentes à comunidade universitária do interior de São Paulo e avaliada por meio da disponibilização pela Internet do Questionário de Frequência Alimentar do International Physical Activity Questionaire e por meio da coleta da descrição autorreferida do peso e da altura. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados, análise de frequência alimentar e teste do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Foram observados inadequação dos hábitos alimentares, sobrepeso e obesidade na amostra estudada. As correlações entre os grupos alimentares apresentaram valores de magnitude maiores no grupo de mulheres que se alimentam de forma mais adequada do que os homens, mas não foram observadas diferenças entre os sexos no nível de atividade física. Não houve correlação significativa entre grupos de alimentos consumidos, índice de massa corporal e nível de atividade física em ambos os sexos. CONCLUSÃO: A comunidade universitária estudada apresentou baixo consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras, bem como consumo insuficiente de alimentos do grupo de cereais e leguminosas.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the food intake variability and frequency, nutritional status and level of physical activity of a university community in Brazil. METHODS: The sample comprised 303 volunteers (130 men and 173 women) from a university community in São Paulo state. They answered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire online and reported their weight and height. Statistical treatment included descriptive analysis, analysis of food intake frequency (Dietsys) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Eating habits were inappropriate and many individuals were overweight or obese. There were more correlations among food groups for women who had better diets than men but the level of physical activity did not differ between the genders. There was no significant correlation between food groups and body mass index or level of physical activity for men or women. CONCLUSION: The study university community consumes little fruit, non-starchy vegetables, grains and legumes.

Nível de atividade física de portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) em comunidade carente no Brasil / Level of physical activity of carriers of diabetes mellitus tipo 2(DM2) in a poor community in Brazil

Modelo do estudo: Estudo transversal observacional. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar o nível de atividade física de indivíduos portadores de diabetes mellitus, pertencentes às comunidades carentes. Métodos: Foram entrevistados 101 indivíduos portadores de diabetes tipo 2, de ambos os sexos com média de idade de 63,6 anos (± 11,4), participantes de uma associação municipal de diabéticos, no período de maio a junho de 2009. As variáveis coletas foram nível de atividade física, com a aplicação do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física forma curta (IPAQ), variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e de saúde com aplicação de questionário estruturado. Resultados: Observou se que a maioria era do sexo feminino, casada, aposentada, baixo nível socioeconômico e pouca escolaridade. 87,3% referiram pelo menos uma comorbidade, prevalecendo hipertensão arterial (64%)...

Study Model: It was done an observational and analytical study with a cross-sectional design. Objective: This study focuses on assessing the level of physical activity and verifying if it is related to socioeconomic aspects and health conditions of Diabetes Mellitus type 2 sufferers in a poor community. Methods: A consecutive sampling was carried out with 101 individuals, both male and female, average age being 63.6 (±11.4 years), and the majority of whom were female, married, retired, lowly educated, and belonging to a low socioeconomic level. The following variables were collected: level of physical activity, with the application of the International Questionnaire of Physical Activity (IPAQ), demographic variables, socioeconomic aspects and health conditions with application of a structured questionnaire. Results: Adding the practice of physical activity, the studied group presented high levels (21,8% Very Active and 65,3%Active)...

Effects of resistance training (RT) on body composition, muscle strength and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal life.

The QoL of postmenopausal women may be compromised as a result of climacteric symptoms associated with psychosocial and cultural determinants. Regular physical activity can attenuate the symptoms of postmenopausal women regarding physical and behavioral changes, positively influencing QoL. This study aimed to assess QoL, in addition to morphofunctional variables, body composition and muscle strength, in postmenopausal women before and after 16 weeks of RT. The subjects were 32 healthy, non-active women who were not under hormone replacement therapy (HRT), classified as control group (CG, n=16) and training group (TG, n=16). RT was structured on the frequency of three times per week and intensity prescribed by a target zone of maximum repetition. The assessment of QoL was conducted by WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire (The WHOQOL Group, 1998). The results show that the RT promoted a significant increase in muscle strength indicators for leg press, bench press and curl, not to mention in the facets of energy (p=0.025) in the physical domain and access to health services (p=0.038) in the environmental domain, the pre- and post-intervention moments on the TG. However, QoL values remained the same for all evaluated domains, with higher values for the physical domain of the TG, but still lacking statistical relevance. It was concluded that the 16-week program of RT was not enough to influence the perception of QoL in postmenopausal women, despite significant changes in muscle strength and in the "energy" facet of the physical domain. We suggest further studies with an extended intervention time and an increased number of participants, considering the changes promoted by RT on the analyzed variables.

Body weight as an indicator of fat-free mass in active elderly women.

OBJECTIVE: Fat-free mass (FFM) reduction and the tendency for a reduction in surrounding fatty issue and increase in the middle are a natural consequence of growing old and should be studied in order to gain a better understanding of the aging process. This study set out to find the FFM differences between active elderly women in two age groups (60-69 and 70-80 years) and to determine which of the anthropometric measurements, body weight (BW), abdominal circumference (AC), or body mass index (BMI) are the best predictors of FFM variation within the group. METHODS: Eighty-one (n=81) active elderly women of the Third Age willingly signed up to participate in the research during the activities at the University of the Third Age (UTA) in Brazil. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). Body weight (BW), height (H) and the BMI were measured according to the international standards. The AC was measured in centimetres at the H of the navel and body composition was ascertained using bioimpedance analysis. The SAS program was used to perform the statistical analysis of independent samples and parametric data. RESULTS: The results showed FFM values with significant differences between the two groups, with the lowest values occurring among the women who were over 70 years of age. In the analysis, the Pearson's Correlation Coefficient for each measured independent variable was ascertained, with the BW measurement showing the highest ratio (0.900). CONCLUSIONS: The BW measurement was regarded as reliable, low-cost and easy to use for monitoring FFM in elderly women who engage in physical activities.

Body composition and quality of life (QoL) of the elderly offered by the "University Third Age" (UTA) in Brazil.

The investigation of the factors that interfere in the well-being of the elderly and their QoL can provide theoretical and methodological subsidies in structuring actions and policies in the health area, in order to fulfill the needs of that population. In this descriptive transversal study, body composition and QoL of elderly women at the UTA program in Piracicaba (São Paulo, Brazil) were verified. The participants were 81 women from UTA, and the general levels of physical activity were evaluated, as well as body weight (BW), height, and body mass index (BMI). The waist circumference (WC) was measured at the level of the umbilical scar and the body composition by impedance (BIA 310e). QoL was verified by means of WHOQOL-Bref and statistical analysis developed with the SAS program. The decrease of weight, height, BMI, and fat-free mass (FFM) was observed among the several age groups, although with no significant difference. The average levels of the general QoL scores and physical, psychological and environmental domains decreased in higher age groups, but social domains showed the opposite result. This fact can be a particular characteristic of the UTA group, and factors the influence such behavior are yet to be studied.

Evaluating quality of life in mercury intoxicated people in urban-industrial environments through short-form 36 application / Avaliando qualidade de vida em pessoas intoxicadas por mercúrio em ambiente urbano-industrial pela aplicação do SF36

Context and objective: Records of contact with mercury(Hg) exist for more than 3500 years and several problems related to the use of this element can be noticed. Considering inexistence of current reports about it, quality of life perception evaluation was studied in people chronically intoxicated by mercury in an industrial environment.Design and setting: This is a cross-sectional descriptive observation study. Information from 47 urban-industrial workers from lamps manufacturing in São Paulo, clinically diagnosed as intoxicated by mercury and currently followed by the Occupational Health Service of Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, with average age of 41.7 years old, was considered.

Influência do mobiliário adaptado na variação angular da curvatura lombar de indivíduos com paralisia cerebral espástica / Influence of adapted furniture on the angular variation of lumbar curvature of subjects with spastic cerebral palsy

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a postura sentada de estudantes com paralisia cerebral espástica, verificando a variação angular da curvatura lombar da coluna vertebral, quando os participantes utilizavam, ou não, mobiliário adaptado. Participaram do estudo, 10 alunos portadores de seqüelas de paralisia cerebral, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 8 e 15 anos, que eram capazes de permanecer na postura sentada sem auxílio e cujos pais assinaram o termo de consentimento esclarecido. Os participantes foram filmados na posição sentada, no plano sagital, em diferentes situações, com e sem mobiliário adaptado. Os dados obtidos em cada posição foram submetidos a análise estatística por meio do Teste de Análise de Variância Não Paramétrica de Friedman, para determinar se haviam diferenças significativas entre elas, e pelo Teste de Comparações Múltiplas, para verificar em quais situações os ajustes posturais ocorridos eram estatisticamente significativos (p < 0,0001). Os resultados mostraram que: a utilização da mesa para apoio dos braços favoreceu a manutenção das curvaturas fisiológicas da coluna vertebral; o apoio para os pés contribuiu para a deterioração da curvatura lombar piorando a postura sentada e o uso do abdutor para as pernas não interferiu noposicionamento da coluna vertebral nos indivíduos com paralisia cerebral espástica.

The present work aimed at evaluating the seated posture of students with spastic cerebral palsy, verifying the angular variation in the lumbar curvature of the spine with and without adapted furniture. 10 students, from both genders, ages between 8 and 15 years, carrying spastic cerebral palsy, who were able to keep the seated posture with no aid, and whose parents gave written permission, participated in the study. The participants were filmed in the seated position, in a saggital direction, in several situations, with and without the equipments for the furniture.The data obtained in each position were submitted to statistical analysis by means of Friedman´s Variance analysis and Multiple Comparisons tests. he comparison of angular variation of the lumbar curvature in the different postures through the Friedman´s test verified that, at least, two medium ranks presented statistically significant differences (p < 0,0001). The results of the comparisons among medium ranks, obtained through the Multiple Comparisons test showed that: using the armsupporting table favored the maintenance of the spine´sphysiologic curvatures; feet support contributed to deteriorate the lumbar curvature, worsening the seated posture, and the use of leg abductor did not interfere in spine positioning of students with spastic cerebral palsy.