Fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis: Is there a relationship with walking speed and mobility?

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis and it can lead to activity limitations. Thus, it is important to analyze the relationship between fatigue and activity outcomes, such as walking speed and mobility. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between fatigue and walking speed and mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. Adults with multiple sclerosis, without cognitive impairments and who were able to walk were recruited. Fatigue was assessed with the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Walking speed, usual and fast, was assessed with the 10-meter Walk Test (10MWT), and mobility with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Pearson correlation analysis was performed. A significance level of 5 % was used. RESULTS: Thirty participants were included, most of the relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (n = 24, 80 %). A mean age of 41 (11) years and the median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 2.65 (2.18) points. Mean MFIS score was 41.87 ± 19.42 points, mean usual walking speed was 1.02 ± 0.28 m/s, mean fast walking speed was 1.55 ± 0.48 m/s, and the mean total time in the TUG was 10.07 ± 3.05 s. A significant negative correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and usual walking speed (r=₋0.51, p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and fast walking speed (r=₋0.54, p < 0.05). A significant, positive correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and mobility (r = 0.54, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between fatigue and walking speed and mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis. These results highlight the need to assess fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis, since the presence of fatigue is associated with reduced walking speed and mobility.

Association between Gait Speed and Balance Disorders in Older Adults from 12 High Andean Peruvian Communities, 2013-2019.

BACKGROUND: Gait speed is associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders in older adults residing at high altitudes. This study investigated this association in older adults from 12 high-altitude Andean Peruvian communities. METHODS: We performed a secondary data analysis from an analytical cross-sectional study of adults >60 years of age, residing in 12 high-altitude Andean Peruvian communities, enrolled between 2013 and 2019. The exposure and outcome variables were gait speed (categorized in tertiles), and balance disorders (defined as a functional reach value of ≤20.32 cm), respectively. We built generalized linear models of the Poisson family with a logarithmic link function and robust variances, and estimated crude prevalence ratios (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We analyzed 418 older adults; 38.8% (n=162) were male, and the mean age was 73.2±6.9 years. The mean gait speed and functional reach were 0.66±0.24 m/s and 19.9±6.48 cm, respectively. In the adjusted regression model, the intermediate (aPR=1.88; 95% CI, 1.39-2.55; p<0.001) and low (aPR=2.04; 95% CI, 1.51-2.76; p<0.001) tertiles of gait speed were associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders. CONCLUSION: The intermediate and low tertiles of gait speed were associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders among older adult residents of 12 high-altitude Andean communities. We recommend further research on the behavior of this association to propose interventions for these vulnerable groups and reduce the impact of geriatric conditions.

Relationship between appendicular muscular mass index and physical function in older people.

This study aimed to establish the relationship between the appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI), assessed from anthropometric variables, and the physical function of older people. Seventy-six older people participated in this study (72.03 ± 7.03 years). The participants underwent evaluations to determine their AMMI using anthropometry (weight, calf circumference, hip circumference, and knee height) and manual grip strength. Additionally, their physical function was evaluated using the 5-chair stand test, the 3-meter walk test, and the timed up and go test (TUG) to determine the strength of the lower limbs, the gait speed, and the dynamic balance, respectively. The results show that the AMMI did not present a significant relationship with the 5-chair stand test in both women (r = -0.135; p = 0.204) and men (r = -0.067; p = 0.349). The AMMI was moderately correlated with the gait speed in both women (r = 0.542; p < 0.001) and men (r = 0.556; p < 0.001). Finally, a statistical significance was observed in the relationship between the AMMI and the TUG test in women (r = -0.273; p = 0.047) and older men evaluated in this study (r = -0.284; p = 0.042). In conclusion, there is a relationship between the AMMI and both the dynamic balance and the gait speed. Therefore, the AMMI emerges as a potential public health assessment by enabling the clinical quantification of muscle mass and an estimation of physical function in the elderly population.

Could poor glycaemic control be a predictor of walking speed decline in older adults? Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

AIM: Although diabetes is a risk factor for walking speed decline in older adults, it remains unclear how glycaemic control [assessed by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)] might affect the long-term trajectories of walking speed. We investigated whether the glycaemic control status accelerates the walking speed decline and whether this decline differs depending on previous mobility conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 3202 individuals aged ≥60 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were classified at baseline and after 4 and 8 years of follow-up according to glycaemic control status as 'without diabetes' (no self-reported diabetes and HbA1c <6.5%), 'good glycaemic control' (self-reported diabetes and HbA1c ≥6.5% and <7.0%) and 'poor glycaemic control' (PGC) (self-reported diabetes and HbA1c ≥7.0%). The generalized linear mixed models verified the walking speed trajectories in m/s. A second analysis was performed, including only participants without slowness at baseline (>0.8 m/s). RESULTS: Compared with the status 'without diabetes', the annual walking speed decline was -0.015 m/s for PGC and -0.011 m/s for good glycaemic control, totalling -0.160 and -0.130 m/s, respectively, over 8 years. Among those without slowness at baseline, only PGC had a significant walking speed decline, corresponding to -0.014 m/s per year and -0.222 m/s over 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Poor glycaemic control is a discriminator of walking speed decline in older adults, regardless of previous mobility conditions. It may serve as an early screening tool for those at risk of decreased functional performance later in life.

Improving walking via real-time visual feedback after stroke in treadmill training (RE-VISIT): a protocol for randomized controlled trial / Melhorando a caminhada por meio de feedback visual em tempo real após acidente vascular cerebral em treinamento em esteira (RE-VISIT): um protocolo para ensaio clínico randomizado

BACKGROUND: After a stroke, most patients often suffer reduced walking ability and balance. Restoring walking ability and improving balance are major goals of stroke rehabilitation. Treadmills are often used in clinical setups to achieve these goals. Adding dimensions to the visual feedback in addition to the mirror for real-time frontal view is proven to enhance the gait. It is, therefore, important to design additional real-time visual feedback in treadmill training, in particular for the sagittal view involved side. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to test if the real-time sagittal visual feedback during treadmill training is superior to the conventional mirror feedback treadmill training program of equivalent intensity in improving walking speed and balance after stroke. METHODS/DESIGN: The RE-VISIT trial (Real-time Visual feedback after Stroke in Treadmill training) is registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2023/10/058299). In this two-arm randomized control trial, which will be a single-blinded study, 42 eligible stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation will be randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either real-time visual sagittal feedback along with front mirror (experimental) group or only front mirror treadmill training (control) group, all the participants will receive 15 sessions of treadmill training for up to 15 min at a safe self-selected speed over 5-6 weeks. The RE-VISIT (experimental) group will receive real-time, visual sagittal view feedback of the involved lower limb trajectory along with the routine front mirror view during treadmill training and will be asked to modify their gait pattern. The control group will receive treadmill walking training only with the routine front mirror view feedback. Clinical and gait assessments will be conducted at the baseline, immediately following the final session of training, and at the 9th week during follow-up. The outcome measures of interest are walking speed (primary) and balance (secondary), which will be measured prior to baseline, post 15 sessions of training, and at the 9th week following training. DISCUSSION: This REVISIT trial will provide insight and contribute to the existing innovation and modifications of incorporating realtime visual feedback during treadmill training in post-stroke gait rehabilitation. The findings will help the better designing of a gait rehabilitation program with a treadmill for post-stroke subjects to improve walking speed, and balance for those who have greater difficulties in community ambulation. We anticipate that those in the REVISIT training will demonstrate improved walking ability.

CONTEXTO: Após o acidente vascular cerebral, a maioria dos pacientes frequentemente sofre redução da capacidade de caminhar e do equilíbrio. Restaurar a capacidade de caminhar e melhorar o equilíbrio são os principais objetivos da reabilitação do AVC. As esteiras são frequentemente usadas em ambientes clínicos para atingir esses objetivos. Está comprovado que adicionar dimensões ao feedback visual, além do espelho para visão frontal em tempo real, melhora a marcha. É, portanto, importante projetar feedbacks visuais adicionais em tempo real no treinamento em esteira, em particular para o lado envolvido na visão sagital. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é testar se o feedback visual sagital em tempo real durante o treinamento em esteira é superior ao programa de treinamento em esteira com feedback de espelho convencional de intensidade equivalente na melhoria da velocidade de caminhada e equilíbrio após acidente vascular cerebral. MÉTODOS/ DESENHO: O ensaio RE-VISIT (feedback visual em tempo real após acidente vascular cerebral no treinamento em esteira) está registrado no Registro de Ensaios Clínicos da Índia (CTRI/2023/10/058299). Neste ensaio de controle randomizado de dois braços, que será um estudo cego, 42 sobreviventes de AVC elegíveis em reabilitação serão alocados aleatoriamente (proporção de 1:1) para feedback sagital visual em tempo real junto com grupo de espelho frontal (experimental) ou apenas Grupo de treinamento em esteira com espelho frontal (controle), todos os participantes receberão 15 sessões de treinamento em esteira por até 15 minutos em uma velocidade segura e autosselecionada durante 5-6 semanas. O grupo RE-VISIT (experimental) receberá feedback visual em tempo real da visão sagital da trajetória dos membros inferiores envolvidos, juntamente com a visão rotineira do espelho frontal durante o treinamento em esteira e será solicitado a modificar seu padrão de marcha. O grupo de controle receberá treinamento de caminhada em esteira apenas com o feedback rotineiro da visão do espelho frontal. Avaliações clínicas e de marcha serão realizadas no início do estudo, imediatamente após a sessão final de treinamento e na 9ª semana durante o acompanhamento. As medidas de resultados de interesse são a velocidade de caminhada (primária) e o equilíbrio (secundário), que serão medidos antes da linha de base, após a 15ª sessão de treinamento e na 9ª semana após o treinamento. DISCUSSÃO: este ensaio REVISIT fornecerá insights e contribuirá para a inovação e modificações existentes na incorporação de feedbacks visuais em tempo real durante o treinamento em esteira na reabilitação da marcha pós-AVC. As descobertas ajudarão no melhor desenho de um programa de reabilitação da marcha com esteira para indivíduos pós-AVC para melhorar a velocidade de caminhada e o equilíbrio para aqueles que têm maiores dificuldades na deambulação comunitária. Prevemos que aqueles no treinamento REVISIT demonstrarão melhor capacidade de caminhada.

Variação da velocidade de marcha e fatores clínicos associados em pessoas idosas da atenção primária à saúde: estudo longitudinal / Variation in gait speed and associated clinical factors in elderly people in primary health care: longitudinal study

Resumo: analisar a variação da velocidade da marcha e os fatores clínicos associados em pessoas idosas da Atenção Primária à Saúde, no período mínimo de dois anos. Materiais e método: estudo longitudinal prospectivo, do tipo quantitativo, subprojeto do projeto de pesquisa matriz intitulado "As variações da fragilidade física e da funcionalidade de idosos da atenção primária à saúde", desenvolvido com 389 idosos da atenção primária à saúde. As coletas de dados foram realizadas nos anos de 2019 (1ª onda) e 2022 (2ª onda), com idosos assistidos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Curitiba-PR. Aplicou-se questionário com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, incluindo autorrelato de agravos em saúde e história pregressa; teste Timed Up and Go para verificar o risco de queda; e avaliação do fenótipo da fragilidade física, com destaque para a velocidade da marcha. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva, a partir da distribuição de frequência absoluta e relativa, média e desvio padrão; bem como análise inferencial por meio de testes não paramétricos qui-quadrado, Wilcoxon Signed Rank e Exato de McNemar, para amostras pareadas, a fim de comparação entre os dois momentos (1ª e 2ª avaliação); e regressão logística para propor modelo preditivo, o qual considerou a entrada de variáveis que apresentaram p-valor =0,20 (técnica enter hierárquico), permanecendo no modelo as variáveis que apresentaram valor de p=0,05 ou que ajustassem o modelo. Considerou-se o nível de significância de 5%. O estudo recebeu parecer favorável do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: a prevalência de VM reduzida na 1ª onda (n=389) foi de 20,8% (n=81). Com relação à 2ª onda (n= 128), 21 (16,4%) participantes apresentaram VM reduzida, dos quais 13 (61,9%) já dispunham dessa condição na baseline e 8 (6,25%) da amostra apresentaram redução da VM durante o seguimento (incidência). Ainda, 8 (7,5%) idosos com VM reduzida na 1ª onda apresentaram melhora desse parâmetro , indicando VM preservada na 2ª onda. Observou-se acréscimo na média de velocidade de marcha dos idosos de 0,04m/s durante o seguimento (de 1,03 m/s para 1,07m/s), no entanto, a variação não foi estatisticamente significativa (p=1,00). Os fatores clínicos, embora associados à VM reduzida na 1ª onda de avaliação, não apresentaram relação estatisticamente significativa à mudança na VM dos idosos durante o seguimento do estudo. O modelo preditivo de VM reduzida indicou que as variáveis comprometimento cognitivo sugestivo (OR:19,62; IC95%=1,93-209,92; p=0,014), força de preensão manual (OR:1,97; IC95%=1,04-3,71; p=0,036) risco de queda (OR:4,07; IC95%=2,27-7,28; p<0,001), histórico de quedas no último ano (OR:1,81; IC95%=0,99-3,26; p=0,050), problemas metabólicos (OR:1,97; IC95%=1,09-3,55; p=0,024), auditivo (OR:0,33; IC95%=0,14-0,80; p=0,013) e cardiovascular (OR:2,08; IC95%=1,02-4,26; p=0,044), aumentaram as chances de as pessoas idosas apresentarem VM reduzida. Conclusão: não houve variação significativa da VM no período investigado e os fatores clínicos se mostraram associados à VM reduzida apenas na 1ª onda de avaliação. É importante que a equipe de saúde da atenção primária desenvolva ações de acompanhamento, bem como de rastreio da velocidade da marcha e das condições clínicas relacionadas à saúde, com vistas a evitar a progressão da síndrome da fragilidade das pessoas idosas.

Abstract: to analyze the variation in gait speed and associated clinical factors in elderly people in Primary Health Care, over a minimum period of two years. Materials and method: prospective longitudinal study, quantitative, subproject of the main research project entitled "Variations in physical frailty and functionality of elderly people in primary health care", developed with 389 elderly people in primary health care. Data collection was carried out in 2019 (1st wave) and 2022 (2nd wave), with elderly people cared for in a Basic Health Unit in Curitiba-PR. A questionnaire was applied with sociodemographic and clinical variables, including self-report of health problems and past history; Timed Up and Go test to check the risk of falling; and assessment of the physical frailty phenotype, with emphasis on gait speed. The data were analyzed descriptively, based on absolute and relative frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation; as well as inferential analysis using non-parametric chi-square tests, Wilcoxon Signed Rank and McNemar's exact tests, for paired samples, in order to compare the two moments (1st and 2nd assessment); and logistic regression to propose a predictive model, which considered the entry of variables that presented a p-value =0.20 (hierarchical enter technique), with variables that presented a p-value =0.05 or that adjusted the model remaining in the model. A significance level of 5% was considered. The study received a favorable opinion from the Research Ethics Committee. Results: the prevalence of reduced MV in the 1st wave (n=389) was 20.8% (n=81). In relation to the 2nd wave (n= 128), 21 (16.4%) participants presented reduced MV, of which 13 (61.9%) already had this condition at baseline and 8 (6.25%) of the sample presented a reduction of MV during follow-up (incidence). Furthermore, 8 (7.5%) elderly people with reduced MV in the 1st wave showed improvement in this parameter, indicating preserved MV in the 2nd wave. An increase in the elderly's average walking speed of 0.04 m/s was observed during the follow-up (from 1.03 m/s to 1.07 m/s), however, the variation was not statistically significant (p=1 ,00). Clinical factors, although associated with reduced MV in the 1st wave of evaluation, did not present a statistically significant relationship to the change in the elderly's MV during the study follow-up. The predictive model of reduced MV indicated that the variables suggestive cognitive impairment (OR:19.62; CI95%=1.93-209.92; p=0.014), handgrip strength (OR:1.97; CI95%= 1.04-3.71; p=0.036) risk of falling (OR:4.07; 95%CI=2.27-7.28; p<0.001), history of falls in the last year (OR:1.81; CI95%=0.99-3.26; p=0.050), metabolic problems (OR:1.97; CI95%=1.09-3.55; p=0.024), auditory (OR:0.33; CI95 %=0.14-0.80; p=0.013) and cardiovascular (OR:2.08; 95%CI=1.02-4.26; p=0.044), increased the chances of elderly people having reduced MV. Conclusion: there was no significant variation in MV during the period investigated and clinical factors were associated with reduced MV only in the 1st wave of evaluation. It is important that the primary care health team develops follow-up actions, as well as tracking the speed of MV. gait and healthrelated clinical conditions, with a view to preventing the progression of frailty syndrome in elderly people.

Association Between Typologies of Sedentary Behavior and Muscle Strength, Gait Speed, and Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Knowledge of how the different types of sedentary behaviors (SB) are associated with functional limitations can guide professionals who work with older adults on better recommendations about the amount of daily time that should be encouraged in each type of SB. The objective was to estimate the associations between two SB typologies (SB television [TV] and SB computer/internet) and the presence of handgrip strength, lower limb strength, gait speed, and balance limitations in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. This is a cross-sectional study with 1,298 community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years). SB was assessed by self-reporting daily time spent watching TV or using computer/internet (categorized into <2, 3-4, and ≥5 hr/day). Outcomes were handgrip strength, lower limb strength, gait speed, and balance limitations considering referenced cutoff points. Older adults in SB TV ≥5 hr/day had 1.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] [1.07, 2.86]) and 1.88 (95% CI [1.02, 3.46]) times more chances of handgrip strength and gait speed limitations, respectively. On the other hand, those who spent 3-4 and ≥5 hr/day in SB computer/internet had 0.45 (95% CI [0.20, 0.99]) and 0.37 (95% CI [0.15, 0.93]) had less chances of lower limb strength and balance limitations, respectively. In conclusion, functional limitations would be associated differently depending on the type of SB in the older adults sampled.

Clinical determinants of the modified incremental step test in adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis / Determinantes clínicos do teste do degrau incremental modificado em adultos com bronquiectasia não fibrocística

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study primarily aimed to investigate the clinical determinants of the Modified Incremental Step Test (MIST) in adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). A secondary objective was to compare the cardiopulmonary responses after the MIST and Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT), two commonly adopted symptom-limited maximum field tests in chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: Forty-six patients with clinically stable bronchiectasis participated in this cross-sectional study. MIST and ISWT were performed to determine exercise capacity, while disease severity, fatigue, and quality of life were assessed using the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), respectively. Quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer, walking speed with a wireless inertial sensing device, and the level of physical activity (steps/day) with a pedometer. Results: The BSI score, quadriceps muscle strength, daily step count, and the SGRQ total score explained 61.9% of the variance in the MIST (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.67, AR2 = 0.619). The BSI score (r = -0.412, p = 0.004), quadriceps muscle strength (r = 0.574, p = 0.001), daily step count (r = 0.523, p < 0.001), walking speed (r = 0.402, p = 0.006), FSS score (r = -0.551, p < 0.001), and SGRQ total score (r = -0.570, p < 0.001) correlated with the MIST. The patients achieved higher heart rates (HR), HR%, desaturation, dyspnea, and leg fatigue in the MIST compared to the ISWT (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Disease severity, quadriceps muscle strength, physical activity level, and quality of life were determinants of MIST. The advantages of the MIST, including higher cardiopulmonary response than ISWT and greater portability, which facilitates its use in various settings, make MIST the preferred choice for investigating symptom-limited exercise capacity in patients with NCFB.

RESUMO Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo principal investigar os determinantes clínicos do Teste do Degrau Incremental Modificado (TDIM) em adultos com bronquiectasia não fibrocística (BNFC). Um objetivo secundário foi comparar as respostas cardiopulmonares após o TDIM e o Teste Graduado de Caminhada (TGC), dois testes de campo máximos amplamente adotados e limitados por sintomas em doenças respiratórias crônicas. Métodos: Quarenta e seis pacientes com bronquiectasia clinicamente estável participaram deste estudo transversal. O TDIM e TGC foram realizados para determinar a capacidade de exercício, enquanto a gravidade da doença, fadiga e qualidade de vida foram avaliadas usando o Índice de Gravidade da Bronquiectasia (BSI), a Escala de Gravidade da Fadiga (FSS) e o Questionário Respiratório de Saint George (SGRQ), respectivamente. A força muscular do quadríceps foi avaliada usando um dinamômetro manual, a velocidade de caminhada com um dispositivo de sensor inercial sem fio e o nível de atividade física (passos/dia) com um pedômetro. Resultados: O escore BSI, a força muscular do quadríceps, a contagem diária de passos e o escore total do SGRQ explicaram 61,9% da variação no TDIM (p < 0,001, R2 = 0,67, AR2 = 0,619). O escore BSI (r = -0,412, p = 0,004), a força muscular do quadríceps (r = 0,574, p = 0,001), a contagem diária de passos (r = 0,523, p < 0,001), a velocidade de caminhada (r = 0,402, p = 0,006), o escore FSS (r = -0,551, p < 0,001) e o escore total do SGRQ (r = -0,570, p < 0,001) correlacionaram-se com o TDIM. Os pacientes atingiram maiores frequências cardíacas (FC), FC%, dessaturação, dispneia e fadiga nas pernas no TDIM em comparação com o TGC (p < 0,05). Conclusões: A gravidade da doença, a força muscular do quadríceps, o nível de atividade física e a qualidade de vida foram determinantes do TDIM. As vantagens do TDIM, incluindo uma resposta cardiopulmonar mais elevada que no TGC e maior portabilidade, que facilita sua utilização em diversos ambientes, fazem do TDIM a escolha preferencial para investigar a capacidade de exercício limitada por sintomas em pacientes com BNFC.

Mobility in preschool age children with and without Down syndrome: an exploratory cross-sectional study / Movilidad en preescolares con y sin síndrome de Down: un estudio transversal exploratorio / Mobilidade em pré-escolares com e sem síndrome de Down: um estudo transversal exploratório

ABSTRACT - Few studies have investigated the mobility of preschool age children with Down syndrome (DS). This study aimed to compare the mobility of preschool age children with and without DS and to verify if cognitive function and gait acquisition age may explain mobility outcomes. This was an exploratory cross-sectional study involving 38 children: 19 in the DS group and 19 in the typical development (TD) group. The 10-meter walk test and the modified Timed Up and Go (mTUG) test were used to evaluate mobility. The explanatory factors were the cognitive function screening test score and the age of gait acquisition. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were used. The children in the DS group had slower gait speed (p=0.0001) and took longer to complete the mTUG test (p=0.0001). The cognitive function screening test score and age of gait acquisition explained the variability in gait speed (R 2 =0.52; p=0.0001) and the variability in the time to complete the mTUG test (R 2 =0.68; p=0.0001). Children with DS showed a poorer mobility when compared to the children in the TD group. The outcomes of mobility in this age group were partially explained by the age of gait acquisition and the cognitive function screening test score.

RESUMEN - Son pocos estudios que han investigado la movilidad de preescolares con síndrome de Down (SD). En este contexto, los objetivos de este estudio fueron comparar la movilidad de los preescolares con y sin SD, así como comprobar si la función cognitiva y la edad de adquisición de la marcha pueden explicar los resultados de la movilidad. Se trata de un estudio transversal exploratorio con 38 niños: 19 del grupo con SD y 19 del grupo con desarrollo típico (DT). Para evaluar la movilidad se utilizaron la prueba de marcha de 10 metros y la prueba de levantarse y andar cronometrada modificada (mTUG). Los factores exploratorios fueron la puntuación del cribado de la función cognitiva y la edad de adquisición de la marcha. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión lineal múltiple por pasos. Los niños del grupo con SD tenían una velocidad de marcha inferior (p=0,0001) y necesitaban más tiempo para completar la mTUG (p=0,0001). La puntuación del cribado de la función cognitiva y la edad de adquisición de la marcha explicaron la variabilidad en la velocidad de la marcha (R2=0,52; p=0,0001) y el tiempo para completar la prueba (R2=0,68; p=0,0001). Los niños con SD tuvieron peor movilidad en comparación con los niños con DT. Los resultados de la movilidad en este grupo de edad se deben parcialmente a la edad de adquisición de la marcha y a la puntuación del cribado de la función cognitiva.

RESUMO - Poucos estudos investigaram a mobilidade de pré-escolares com síndrome de Down (SD). Dessa forma, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram comparar a mobilidade de pré-escolares com e sem SD, bem como verificar se a função cognitiva e a idade de aquisição da marcha podem explicar os desfechos de mobilidade. Estudo transversal exploratório com 38 crianças: 19 do grupo SD e 19 do grupo desenvolvimento típico (DT). O teste de caminhada de 10 metros e o timed up and go modificado (mTUG) foram utilizados para avaliar a mobilidade. Os fatores exploratórios foram: a pontuação da triagem da função cognitiva e a idade de aquisição da marcha. Foram usados modelos de regressão linear múltipla stepwise . As crianças do grupo SD apresentaram menor velocidade de marcha (p=0,0001) e necessitaram de mais tempo para completar o mTUG (p=0,0001). A pontuação da triagem da função cognitiva e a idade de aquisição da marcha explicaram a variabilidade na velocidade da marcha (R 2 =0,52; p=0,0001) e o tempo para completar o teste mTUG (R 2 =0,68; p=0,0001). Crianças com SD apresentaram pior capacidade de mobilidade quando comparadas às com DT. Os desfechos de mobilidade nessa faixa etária foram parcialmente explicados pela idade de aquisição da marcha e pelo escore da triagem da função cognitiva.

Velocidade da marcha associada aos fatores clínicos em idosos na atenção primária à saúde: revisão integrativa / Gait speed associated with clinical factors in the elderly in primary health care: integrative review / Velocidad de la marcha asociada a factores clínicos en ancianos en atención primaria: una revisión integradora

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a produção científica nacional e internacional sobre a velocidade da marcha associada aos sinais, sintomas e fatores clínicos em pessoas idosas da atenção primária à saúde. Método: revisão integrativa de literatura realizada em cinco fontes de dados (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index To Nursing And Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) e PubMed) com publicações do período de janeiro de 2017 até junho de 2023. Resultados: 13 publicações que atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade, com predomínio de estudos no idioma inglês. Estudos evidenciaram que a velocidade da marcha reduzida está associada com fraturas (p<0,05), demência (p<0,01), doenças cardiovasculares (p<0,001) e neuropsiquiátricas (p<0,01), quedas (p<0,05) e polifarmácia (p<0,001). Conclusão: alteração no padrão da velocidade de marcha em pessoas idosas está relacionada a diversos fatores clínicos, reforçando a necessidade de novos estudos e o papel norteador da equipe de enfermagem geriátrica na saúde da pessoa idosa.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze national and international scientific production on gait speed associated with signs, symptoms, and clinical factors in elderly people in primary health care. Method: integrative literature review carried out in five data sources (Virtual Health Library, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index To Nursing And Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PubMed) with publications from January 2017 to June 2023. Results: 13 publications met the eligibility criteria, with a predominance of studies in English. Studies indicated that reduced gait speed is associated with fractures (p<0.05), dementia (p<0.01), cardiovascular (p<0.001) and neuropsychiatric (p<0.01) diseases, falls (p<0.05) and polypharmacy (p<0.001). Conclusion: altered gait speed patterns in the older people are related to various clinical factors, reinforcing the need for further studies and the guiding role of the geriatric nursing team in the health of the older person.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la producción científica nacional e internacional sobre la velocidad de la marcha asociada a signos, síntomas y factores clínicos en personas mayores en atención primaria de salud. Método: revisión bibliográfica integradora realizada en cinco fuentes de datos (Virtual Health Library, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index To Nursing And Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) y PubMed) con publicaciones desde enero de 2017 hasta junio de 2023. Resultados: 13 publicaciones que cumplían los criterios de elegibilidad, con predominio de estudios en inglés. Los estudios han demostrado que la reducción de la velocidad de la marcha se asocia con fracturas (p<0,05), demencia (p<0,01), enfermedades cardiovasculares (p<0,001) y neuropsiquiátricas (p<0,01), caídas (p<0,05) y polifarmacia (p<0,001). Conclusión: la alteración de los patrones de velocidad de la marcha en ancianos está relacionada con diversos factores clínicos, lo que refuerza la necesidad de nuevos estudios y el papel orientador del equipo de enfermería geriátrica en la salud de los ancianos.

Low grip strength and gait speed as markers of dependence regarding basic activities of daily living: the FIBRA study

ABSTRACT Objective To determine whether low muscle strength and low gait speed increase the risk of disability related to basic activities of daily living in community-dwelling older adults. Methods A longitudinal study (9 years of follow-up) was conducted with 390 older adults who were independent in basic activities of daily living at baseline and answered the Katz Index at follow-up. Associations were determined using Pearson's χ2 test with a 5% significance level and logistic regression analysis. Results Increases in prevalence between baseline and follow-up were observed for low muscle strength (17.5%-38.2%), slow gait speed (26.0%-81.1%), and functional dependence (10.8%-26.6%). At follow-up, 11.7% of the participants had concomitant functional dependence, slow gait speed, and low muscle strength. Slow gait speed remained a predictor of dependence in basic activities of daily living (odds ratio=1.90; 95% confidence interval=1.06-3.41). Conclusion Slow gait speed is a predictor of functional dependence, constituting an important variable for screening functional decline.

Associação entre velocidade de reserva e medo de quedas em indivíduos pós acidente vascular encefálico / Association between walking speed reserve and fear of falling in stroke survivors

Objective: Stroke survivors may have residual mobility impairments and an inability to improve walking speed in daily life and can result in falls, one of the most common complications after a stroke. The ability to improve walking speed is determined by the difference between the fast and self-selected walking speed, the walking speed reserve (WRS). So, the objective is to investigate the relationship between the WRS capacity and the fear of falling in stroke survivors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with fifty five stroke survivors. The WRS was determined by the 10 meter walk test (10MWT, in m/s), and the fear of falling was assessed by Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I in points). Pearson's correlation was used to investigate the association between the WRS and fear of falling. Results: 54.5% were male, with a mean age of 62.5 (SD 14.9) years and 41% were community walkers (≥0.8m/s). The WRS was 0.17±0.17m/s, and the mean FES-I score was 31.79±9.88. A negative and statistically significant association was found, with a reasonable magnitude between the WSR and the FES-I score (r= -0.38; p= 0.005). Conclusion: Stroke survivors who have greater WSR capacity, have a lower score on the FES-i scale, indicating less fear of falling.

Objetivo: Os indivíduos pós AVE podem ter déficits residuais de mobilidade e incapacidade de aumentar a velocidade de caminhada na vida diária e podem resultar em quedas, uma das complicações mais comuns após um AVE. A capacidade de aumentar a velocidade de caminhada é determinada pela diferença entre a velocidade de caminhada máxima e auto-selecionada, a velocidade de reserva (VR). Assim, o objetivo é investigar a relação entre a VR e o medo de cair em indivíduos pós AVE. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com cinquenta e cinco indivíduos pós AVE. A VR foi determinada pelo teste de caminhada de 10 metros (TC10m, em m/s), e o medo de cair foi avaliado pela Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I em pontos). A correlação de Pearson foi usada para investigar a associação entre a VR e o medo de cair. Resultados: 54,5% eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 62,5 (DP 14,9) anos e 41% eram deambuladores comunitários (≥0,8m/s). A VR foi de 0,17±0,17m/s, e o escore médio da FES-I foi de 31,79±9,88. Encontrou-se associação negativa e estatisticamente significativa, com magnitude razoável entre a VR e o escore da FES-I (r= -0,38; p= 0,005). Conclusão: Os indivíduos pós AVE que têm maior VR, apresentam uma pontuação mais baixa na escala FES-i, indicando menor medo de cair.

Asociación entre la velocidad de marcha y obesidad en población chilena: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017

Antecedentes: La velocidad de marcha es un marcador funcional, utilizado como predictor de enfermedades crónicas. Sin embargo, existe escasa evidencia de la asociación entre la velocidad de marcha y obesidad. Objetivo: Investigar la asociación entre la velocidad de marcha auto-reportada y obesidad en población chilena. Métodos: 6.183 participantes entre 15 a 98 años de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017 de Chile fueron incluidos en este estudio transversal. Peso corporal, talla, perímetro de cintura (PC), índice de masa corporal (IMC) e índice cintura/altura (ICA) fueron determinados. Auto-reporte de velocidad de la marcha (normal, lenta, rápida) fue la variable de exposición. La relación entre velocidad de marcha y marcadores de obesidad fue determinada mediante regresión lineal y regresión de Poisson y todos los análisis fueron ajustados en Modelos según factores sociodemográficos y estilos de vida. Resultados: En el modelo más ajustado, quienes reportaron una velocidad de marcha normal y rápida presentaron un menor IMC (p: -1,03, p = 0,017y -1,56p = 0,001, respectivamente), menor PC (p: -2,98, p = 0,004 y -3,64, p = 0,001) e ICA (3: -0,19, p = 0,004 y -0,26 p < 0,0001) respecto a quienes reportaron una marcha lenta. La velocidad de marcha rápida se asoció a una menor probabilidad de tener obesidad y obesidad central. Conclusión: La velocidad de marcha normal y rápida fueron asociadas con menor peso corporal, IMC, PC e ICA. La velocidad de marcha rápida se asoció a una menor probabilidad de obesidad y obesidad central, independiente de factores sociodemográficos y estilos de vida.

Background: Walking Pace is a functional marker, used as a predictor of chronic diseases. However, there is a lack of evidence on the association between walking pace and obesity. Aim: To investigate the association between-self-reported walking pace with obesity in the Chilean adult population. Methods: 6,183 Chilean participants (aged 15 to 98 years) from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017 were included in this cross-sectional study. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were the outcomes of interest. Self-reported walking pace (slow, average and brisk) was the exposure. The association between walking pace and obesity was determined by linear regression and Poisson regression and all analyses were adjusted in models according to sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Results: In the most adjusted model, those who reported an average and brisk walking pace had a lower BMI (¡3: -1.03, p = 0.017 and-1.56 p = 0.001), lower WC (3: -2.98, p = 0.004 and -3.64, p = 0.001) and waist to height ratio (3: -0.19, p = 0.004 and -0.26 p < 0.0001) compared to people who reported a slow walking pace. A brisk walkingpace was associated with a lower probability of obesity and central obesity. Conclusion: the average and brisk walkingpace was associated with lower body weight, BMI, waist circumference and waist to height ratio and a brisk walking pace was associated with a lower probability of obesity and central obesity, independently of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Effects of aging on arm coordination at different walking speeds.

BACKGROUND: Previous work has shown that the mean continuous relative phase and coordination variability of lower limbs are modified in older adults when walking. RESEARCH QUESTION: Here, we propose to understand the extent to which such control mechanisms for upper limbs are present during gait. Specifically, we seek to understand if aging and gait speed constraints influence the interjoint control of upper limbs during walking. METHODS: This observational study evaluated thirty-three participants, divided into older (n = 20, age 66.4 ± 4.3 years; mass: 77.2 ± 14.2 kg; height: 165 ± 9.20 cm) and young adults (n = 13, age 29.5 ± 4.7 years; mass 75.5 ± 9.6 kg; height: 172 ± 6.24 cm) were asked to walk at 0.28, 0.83, 1.38 m.s-1 on a level treadmill while their segmental movements were simultaneously registered with 3D motion capture system. We calculated the mean continuous relative phase and coordination variability (continuous relative phase variability) in elbow-shoulder and shoulder-hip pairs, and a generalized estimating equation was used to test the main and interaction effects of age and speed. RESULTS: Older adults had a reduced continuous relative phase (more in-phase coordination) of upper limbs at whole stance for elbow-shoulder, at loading response for shoulder-hip, at mid-stance and terminal stance for elbow-shoulder and shoulder-hip in comparison to young adults at different speeds (p < 0.05). The coordination variability of upper limbs was greater (higher continuous relative phase variability) in older than young adults at 0.28 and 1.38 m.s-1. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings substantiate the altered motor control role of upper limbs in gait aging, suggesting that lower self-selected speed may be related to the reduced ability to control arm movement during the intermediate phases of gait.

Associação entre declínio cognitivo, sintomas depressivos e do medo de cair com a velocidade da marcha confortável em idosos comunitários / Association between cognitive decline, depressive symptoms and the fear of falling with the speed gait in community-dwelling older adults

Diminuições na velocidade da marcha (VM) estão associadas a desfechos adversos na saúde física e mental em idosos. Assim, torna-se relevante identificar fatores que podem associar-se com a VM confortável em idosos, de forma a propor estratégias para prevenção de alterações na mobilidade. Objetivo: verificar a associação entre declínio cognitivo, sintomas depressivos e do medo de cair com a VM confortável em idosos comunitários. Métodos: tratou-se de um estudo transversal, com amostra probabilística, incluindo 308 idosos comunitários. O desfecho do estudo foi a VM confortável, sendo considerado como baixo desempenho VM < 0,8m/s. As variáveis preditoras foram 1) declínio cognitivo avaliado pelo Mini Exame do Estado Mental, 2) sintomas depressivos avaliados com a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica Abreviada e 3) medo de cair avaliado pela Falls Efficacy Scale ­ Brasil. Para analisar a associação entre as variáveis foi utilizada a Regressão Logística Multivariada. Resultados: idosos tiveram chances significativamente maiores de apresentar baixo desempenho na VM confortável quando apresentaram declínio cognitivo (OR: 4,67; IC95%: 1,68; 12,94), sintomas depressivos (OR: 2,90; IC95%: 1,42; 5,92) e medo de cair (OR: 4,08; IC95%: 1,72; 9,71) quando comparados aos que não tiveram essas condições. Conclusão: o declínio cognitivo, sintomas depressivos e medo de cair foram associados ao baixo desempenho na VM confortável nos idosos amostrados. Esses achados podem servir para identificação precoce dos fatores que estão associados a alterações na VM confortável, contribuindo para a proposição de estratégias públicas em saúde e no direcionamento de atividades de promoção em saúde para idosos comunitários.(AU)

Decreases in gait speed (GS) are associated with adverse outcomes in the physical and mental health of the elderly. Thus, it is relevant to identify factors that can be associated with comfortable GS in community-dwelling older adults, to propose strategies to prevent changes in mobility. Objective: To verify the association between cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, and fear of falling with comfortable GS in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample, including 308 community-dwelling older adults. The study outcome was comfortable GS, being considered as low-performance MV < 0.8m/s. Predictive variables were 1) cognitive decline assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination, 2) depressive symptoms assessed by the Abbreviated Geriatric Depression Scale, and 3) fear of falling assessed by the Falls Efficacy Scale - Brasil. Multivariate Logistic Regression was used to verify the association between the variables. Results: Community-dwelling older adults were significantly more likely to have poor performance in comfortable GS when they presented cognitive decline (OR: 4.67; 95%CI: 1.68; 12.94), depressive symptoms (OR: 2.90; 95%CI: 1 .42; 5.92), and fear of falling (OR: 4.08; 95%CI: 1.72; 9.71) when compared to those who did not have these conditions. Conclusion: Cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, and fear of falling were associated with poor performance in comfortable GS in the community-dwelling older adults sampled. These findings can serve for early identification of factors that are associated with changes in comfortable GS, contributing to the proposition of public health strategies and in directing health promotion activities for community-dwelling older adults.(AU)

Examining the factors associated with functional capacity of community-dwelling older adults using the ICF framework: a cross-sectional study from the Frailty in Brazilian Older Adults Study (FIBRA).

BACKGROUND: There are many factors associated with functioning and disability in older adults and these relationships are not clear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors associated with functional capacity of older adults using the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a dataset from a survey of 1 377 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years) in a middle-income country. Three functional outcomes were selected to represent the functioning domains: 1) muscle strength for body function; 2) walking speed for activity; and 3) advanced activities of daily living (ADL) for participation. Demographic, clinical, and social information was selected to represent the domains of health conditions and contextual factors (i.e. personal and environmental factors). Multivariate models tested the impact of these factors on each outcome. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms, age, and physical activity were associated with the three outcomes. Muscle strength was also associated with urinary incontinence, visual deficits, female sex, and employment. Walking speed was also associated with urinary incontinence, obesity, fractures due to falls, female sex, health professionals' visits, and walking aid devices. Advanced ADL were also associated with stroke, visual deficits, education, employment, health perception, social support, and walking aid devices. CONCLUSION: Functional capacity of older adults is associated with some non-modifiable factors, such as age and sex. The modifiable factors must be addressed by health professionals and policymakers in the geriatric area, especially depression, obesity, physical inactivity, and social support.

Are the spatiotemporal gait parameters at different walking speeds capable of predicting variations in cognitive status by the mini-mental state examination?

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the association between cognition and gait; however, most are limited to investigating gait in just one speed, usually the self-selected one, and commonly, only the general score of cognitive tests is used. AIMS: Investigate the relationship between the spatiotemporal gait parameters at different speeds (self-selected and fast walking speeds) and cognitive status in older adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Two hundred and ninety-five older adults (70.9 ± 7.2 years; 82.3% women) were evaluated according to cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE) and spatiotemporal gait parameters. RESULTS: Data analysis indicates that the spatiotemporal gait parameters (stride length, step time, and single support time) were able to predict cognitive status, assessed by the MMSE general score and its subdomain (temporal and spatial orientation) at both walking speeds. CONCLUSIONS: The spatiotemporal gait parameters were associated with cognitive status, assessed by the MMSE (general score and temporal and spatial orientation), regardless of the walking conditions. The model's variance was significant and with a large effect size. Stride length and step time were identified as the variables with the best explanatory factors. Therefore, it is concluded that greater cognitive performance is associated with longer stride lengths and faster step times.

Efecto de la retroalimentación visual sobre la velocidad de la marcha después de un accidente cerebrovascular: diseño de caso único / Effects of Visual Feedback on Walking Speed for Stroke Patients: Single-case Design

Introducción. La recuperación de la marcha es uno de los principales objetivos en rehabilitación después de un ACV. Basados en los principios de aprendizaje motor, se han desarrollado nuevas estrategias en neurorrehabilitación basadas en la práctica repetitiva, orientada a la tarea y la retroalimentación. Esto último ha demostrado ser una de las variables clave para el entrenamiento, por su fácil obtención y manipulación. Sin embargo, aún no existen estudios concluyentes que permitan identificar el efecto real de esta variable y su influencia en la recuperación y el desempeño funcional de la marcha. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la retroalimentación visual sobre la velocidad de la marcha después de un accidente cerebrovascular en adultos con estadios subagudos y crónicos. Metodología. Diseño de caso único de línea de base múltiple, aleatorio no concurrente de cuatro participantes. Se evaluó la velocidad de la marcha determinando las diferencias en el nivel, la tendencia, la estabilidad de los datos y la no superposición de datos mediante el análisis visual basado en la documentación técnica para diseños de caso único de la What Works Clearinghouse. Resultados. Cuatro participantes con rango de edad de 19 a 73 años fueron incluidos en el estudio. El cambio en el nivel para todos los participantes demostró un incremento en los valores de la velocidad de la marcha después de la introducción de la intervención (media: 0.76 m/s). El análisis visual de la tendencia estimó aceleración para la línea de intervención para tres participantes. Los datos en la fase de base e intervención cumplieron el criterio de estabilidad medido con el método de banda de dos desviaciones estándar (media: 0.05 m/s); los patrones de cambio demostraron efecto inmediato con mejoría gradual durante la intervención para los participantes 1, 3 y 4. El porcentaje de no superposición de datos mostró efectividad de la intervención para tres de los participantes (PND >91.67%). Conclusiones. Los hallazgos presentados en este estudio representan un aporte científico que respalda la pertinencia del uso y aplicación de los principios de aprendizaje motor para el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias en rehabilitación motora. Sin embargo, este estudio constituye un primer paso para realizar estudios más robustos que incluyan replicación de las fases en el estudio y la evaluación del seguimiento para determinar la permanencia de los efectos a largo plazo.

Introduction. Gait recovery is one of the main goals in post-stroke rehabilitation. Based on the principles of motor learning, new strategies have been developed in neurorehabilitation based on repetitive, task-oriented practice, and feedback. The latter has proven to be one of the most critical variables for training, because it is easy to obtain and manipulate. However, there are still no conclusive studies to identify the real effect of this variable and its influence on recovery and functional gait performance. Objective. To determine the effect of visual feedback on gait speed after stroke in adults with subacute and chronic stages.Methodology. Single-case, multiple baseline, non-concurrent randomized, and four-participant design. Gait velocity was assessed by determining differences in level, trend, data stability, and nonoverlapping data using visual analysis based on technical documentation for single-case designs from the What Works Clearinghouse.Results. Four participants ranging in age from 19 to 73 years were included in the study. The change in level for all participants demonstrated an increase in gait velocity values after the introduction of the intervention (mean: 0.76 m/s). Visual trend analysis estimated acceleration for the intervention line for three participants. The data in the baseline and intervention phase met the stability criterion measured with the two standard deviation band method (mean: 0.05 m/s); patterns of change demonstrated immediate effect with gradual improvement during the intervention for participants 1, 3, and 4. The percentage of nonoverlapping data showed effective-ness of the intervention for three of the participants (PND >91.67%).Conclusions. The findings presented in this study represent a scientific contribution that supports the relevance of the use and application of motor learning principles for the development of new strategies in motor rehabilitation. However, this study constitutes a first step towards more robust studies that include replication of the phases in the study and follow-up evaluation to determine the permanence of long-term effects.

Association between isokinetic strength measures and functional performance in community-dwelling older adults / Asociación entre las medidas de fuerza isocinética y el rendimiento funcional en personas mayores en la comunidad / Associação entre medidas de força isocinética e desempenho funcional em pessoas idosas da comunidade

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown an association between lower limb muscle strength and functional performance, but a dose-response relationship between the strength of each lower limb muscle group and performance in daily life activities in older adults has not been well established. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between isokinetic muscle strength of all eight major lower limb muscle groups and functional performance in community-dwelling older adults. The muscle strength of the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors of the ankle, flexors and extensors of the knee, and flexors, extensors, adductors, and abductors of the hip were evaluated using a Biodex System 4 Pro® isokinetic dynamometer. Functional performance was evaluated in 109 participants using the five-times sit-to-stand test (STS) and 4-meter usual walking speed (UWS). The multiple linear regression analyses showed that the hip abductors strength predicted 31.3% of the variability for UWS (p=0.011), and the knee extensors strength (p=0.015) predicted 31.6% of the variability for the STS. We conclude that hip abductors and knee extensors could be the key muscle groups involved in sit to stand and walking speed performance in older adults.

RESUMEN Estudios previos ya demostraron la asociación entre la fuerza muscular de los miembros inferiores y el rendimiento funcional, sin embargo, no está bien establecida la contribución de los principales músculos de los miembros inferiores sobre el rendimiento de las personas mayores en las actividades diarias. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre la fuerza muscular isocinética de los ocho principales grupos musculares de los miembros inferiores y el rendimiento funcional en personas mayores que viven en la comunidad. La fuerza muscular de los plantiflexores y dorsiflexores del tobillo, los flexores y extensores de la rodilla y los flexores, extensores, aductores y abductores de la cadera se evaluaron por medio del dinamómetro isocinético Biodex System 4 Pro®. El rendimiento funcional de 109 participantes se evaluó mediante el test de sentarse y pararse cinco veces (STS) y la velocidad de marcha habitual de 4 metros. Los análisis de regresión lineal múltiple mostraron que la fuerza de los abductores de la cadera predijo el 31,3% de la variabilidad para la velocidad de marcha habitual (p=0,011); y la fuerza de los extensores de la rodilla (p=0,015), el 31,6% de variabilidad para STS. Se concluyó que los abductores de la cadera y los extensores de la rodilla pueden ser los principales grupos musculares involucrados en el rendimiento de los adultos mayores para sentarse, pararse y caminar.

RESUMO Estudos anteriores já demonstraram a associação entre força muscular de membros inferiores e desempenho funcional, mas a contribuição dos principais músculos dos membros inferiores para o desempenho de pessoas idosas nas atividades cotidianas não foi bem estabelecida. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre a força muscular isocinética dos oito principais grupos musculares dos membros inferiores e o desempenho funcional em pessoas idosas da comunidade. A força muscular dos plantiflexores e dorsiflexores do tornozelo, flexores e extensores do joelho e flexores, extensores, adutores e abdutores do quadril foi avaliada utilizando um dinamômetro isocinético Biodex System 4 Pro®. O desempenho funcional de 109 participantes foi avaliado usando o teste de sentar e levantar cinco vezes (TSL) e de velocidade de marcha habitual de 4 metros (VMH). As análises de regressão linear múltipla mostraram que a força dos abdutores do quadril previu 31,3% da variabilidade para a VMH (p=0,011), e a força dos extensores do joelho (p=0,015) 31,6% da variabilidade para o TSL. Concluímos que os abdutores do quadril e os extensores do joelho podem ser os principais grupos musculares envolvidos no desempenho de pessoas idosas para sentar-levantar e caminhar.

Relação entre marcadores hematológicos, endócrinos e imunológicos e a sarcopenia em idosos / Relationship between hematological, endocrine and immunological markers and sarcopenia in the elderly

Objetivo: Relacionar os marcadores hematológicos, endócrinos e imunológicos com os critérios de classificação da sarcopenia em idosos residentes na comunidade. Métodos: Estudo transversal, vinculado à pesquisa institucional "Atenção Integral à Saúde do Idoso". A população foi composta por indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, ambos os sexos, usuários da atenção primária à saúde. O protocolo de pesquisa contemplou entrevista, avaliação da sarcopenia e exames laboratoriais para avaliação do hemograma, da 25-hidroxivitamina D, paratormônio, fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina-1, interleucina-6 e proteína C reativa. Para análise estatística utilizou-se Teste de Mann-Whitney, Teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson, Exato de Fisher e Odds Ratio. Resultados: Verificou-se relação de interleucina-6 (p= 0,004), eritrócitos (p= 0,038), hemoglobina (p<0,001) e hematócrito (p= 0,002) com sarcopenia. Também observou-se que os idosos com força muscular alterada apresentaram valores mais baixos de hematócrito (p= 0,037) e mais altos de interleucina-6 (p= 0,002); e com desempenho físico alterado apresentaram valores mais baixos de leucócitos (p=0,024), hemoglobina (p<0,001), hematócrito (p= 0,007) e 25-hidroxivitamina D (p= 0,034) e mais altos de paratormônio (p= 0,018) e interleucina-6 (p= 0,002). Conclusão: Sugere-se a avaliação e acompanhamento dos níveis de interleucina-6, paratormônio, 25-hidroxivitamina D e da série vermelha do hemograma durante a prática assistencial.

Objective: To relate hematological, endocrine and immunological markers to the criteria for classifying sarcopenia in older people residents in the community. Method: Cross- sectional study, linked to the institutional research "Integrated Health Care for Older People". The study population consisted of males and females aged 60 years or more and assisted in primary health care. The research protocol included an interview and physical examination to evaluate the sarcopenia criteria. Analysis of the following were done: complete blood count, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney test, Pearson's chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Odds Ratio. Results: There was a relationship between interleukin-6 (p= 0,004), erythrocytes (p= 0,038), hemoglobin (p<0,001) and hematocrit (p= 0,002) with sarcopenia. It was also observed that the older people with altered muscular strength had lower values of hematocrit (p= 0,037) and higher of interleukin-6 (p= 0,002); and with altered physical performance had lower values of leukocytes (p= 0,024), hemoglobin (p<0,001), hematocrit (p= 0,007) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p= 0,034) and higher levels of parathyroid hormone (p= 0,018) and interleukin-6 (p= 0,002). Conclusion: It is suggested to evaluate and monitor the levels of interleukin-6, parathyroid hormone, 25- hydroxyvitamin D and the red blood count series during care practice.