Translation, validity and reliability of the fall risk scale for older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Falls in older adults are a common and serious threat to health and functional independence. It can cause psychological distress, inability to participate in activities of daily living, brain injury, fractures, and even death. The aim was to analyze the psychometric properties of the self-assessed fall risk scale (FRS) that measures the risk of falls in older adults in a central region of Chile, as well as to verify the concurrent validity against functional fitness tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 222 older adults (OA) [34 males and 188 females] with an age range of 65 to 85 years. The 13-item self-perceived fall risk scale (FRS) was validated. Anthropometric measures (weight, height and waist circumference) were assessed. Five functional fitness tests were measured (right and left hand grip strength, biceps curl, up-and-go, agility and 6-minute walk test). Validation was performed by construct validation [(exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)] and concurrent validity. RESULTS: The EFA revealed 4 factors in the FRS scale [1: fear of falling (variance 27.1%), 2: use of assistive devices (variance 10.6%), 3: loss of sensation (variance 9.3%), and 4: limited mobility (variance 8.3%)]. Factor loadings ranged from ∼ 0.50 to 0.83 across the 4 components. The Kaiser-Meyer Olkin sample adequacy test (KMO) reflected adequate adequacy (KMO = 0.79, chi-square (X2) = 498.806, gl = 78, p = 0.00). The CFA showed a satisfactory final fit [chi-square (X2) = 126.748, Root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.042, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.946, Comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.935 y Normed fit index (NFI) = 0.90. The relationships between the FRS scale and functional fitness tests (right and left hand grip strength, biceps curl, up-and-go, agility and 6-minute walk test) ranged from low to moderate (r= -0.23 to 0.41). CONCLUSION: The FRS scale showed acceptable validity and reliability in older adults in central region of Chile. It is expected that this scale will be useful for assessing fall risk in clinical and epidemiological settings in the aging Chilean population.

Comparison between Measured and Predicted Resting Metabolic Rate Equations in Cross-Training Practitioners.

This study aimed to investigate the resting metabolic rate (RMR) in cross-training practitioners (advanced and novice) using indirect calorimetry (IC) and compare it with predictive equations proposed in the scientific literature. METHODS: A cross-sectional and comparative study analyzed 65 volunteers, both sexes, practicing cross-training (CT). Anthropometry and body composition were assessed, and RMR was measured by IC (FitMate PRO®), bioimpedance (BIA-InBody 570®), and six predictive equations. Data normality was tested by the Kolgomorov-Smirnov test and expressed as mean ± standard deviation with 95% confidence intervals (CI), chi-square test was performed to verify ergogenic resources, and a Bland-Altman plot (B&A) was made to quantify the agreement between two quantitative measurements. One-way ANOVA was applied to body composition parameters, two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc was used to compare the RMR between groups, and two-way ANCOVA was used to analyze the adjusted RMR for body and skeletal muscle mass. The effect size was determined using Cohen's d considering the values adjusted by ANCOVA. If a statistical difference was found, post hoc Bonferroni was applied. The significance level was p < 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: The main results indicated that men showed a higher RMR than women, and the most discrepant equations were Cunningham, Tinsley (b), and Johnstone compared to IC. Tinsley's (a) equation indicated greater precision in measuring the RMR in CM overestimated it by only 1.9%, and BIA and the Harris-Benedict in CW overestimated RMR by only 0.1% and 3.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The BIA and Harris-Benedict equation could be used reliably to measure the RMR of females, while Tinsley (a) is the most reliable method to measure the RMR of males when measuring with IC is unavailable. By knowing which RMR equations are closest to the gold standard, these professionals can prescribe a more assertive diet, training, or ergogenic resources. An assertive prescription increases performance and can reduce possible deleterious effects, maximizing physical sports performance.

Functional fitness benchmark values for older adults: a systematic review.

Introduction: The use of normative values and/or standards of functional fitness in adults is relevant to overall health and well-being. The objectives of the study were: to identify the physical tests of the senior fitness test (SFT) that have been applied since its proposal and to describe the proposed percentiles according to age, sex and country. Methods: A systematic review study was conducted in the Pubmed and Scopus databases. As eligibility criteria, we considered the period from 1999 to 2022 that presented data on SFT test used in the population over 60 years of age and that described normative values through percentiles. MeSH were used as: (1) Physical fitness, Exercise test, Senior Fitness Test, Functional fitness, Cardiorespiratory fitness, (2) older adult, aged, (3) Reference standards, standards, standards of care. Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" were included. Data extracted from the selected studies included: year of publication, country, sample age, sample size, sample sex, fitness component. Results and discussion: Seven studies were identified in five countries (03 in China, 01 in Poland, 01 in Portugal, 01 in Spain and 01 in United States). The age range ranged from 60 to 103 years. The studies were conducted in both sexes. The study with the smallest sample size was by Chung et al. (China) with 944 participants and the largest number of participants was the study by Rikli and Jones in the United States with 7,183 participants. In general, no study was able to complete 100% (8 components) of the tests proposed in the SFT. Normative values were presented through percentile distribution (p10, p50 and p90) organized by age ranges. Males presented better performance in FPF tests than females in all tests. Since the first publication of the SFT until 2022, seven articles have been published in countries such as United States, China (three regional studies), Poland, Portugal and Spain. No study has published the complete battery with its eight components. The percentiles of functional fitness reflect decline with advancing age. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42023441294: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023441294).

Effects of twelve weeks of dance Exergames on the quality-of-life variables of elderly Brazilian women enrolled in a community program.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Exercise-based interventions can be a safe alternative to improve and maintain physical and mental health during the aging process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week training program with Dance Exergames on the mood and functional fitness profile of elderly women. METHODS: The sample (n = 22) was divided into Exergames (EG, n = 9, 70.6 ± 1.6 years) and Control Groups (CG, n = 13, 73.6 ± 2.2 years). Evaluations were carried out before and after the interventions. Each participant played, in pairs, the electronic game Dance Central 3, with the XBOX 360 Kinect console (Slim, Microsoft, USA). The EG trained for 12 weeks (24 sessions), with two weekly sessions of 50 min and the CG performed manual activities workshops. RESULTS: In functional fitness, both exercise training with exergame (EG) and the intervention model for the CG did not produce significant effects regarding interaction (group*time). Mood state presented significant effect of time intervention regarding tension (p = <0.001), depression (p = 0.001), anger (p = 0.030), fatigue (p = 0.001), and mental confusion (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of training with a dance exergame (for, EG) and manual activities (for, CG) is enough to promote improvements in the mood state of healthy elderly women. This is an interesting result, as it shows that social interaction is as important a component as improving functional capacity.

Effects of Different Recovery Modalities on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Recovery Perceptions, and Performance Following a Bout of High-Intensity Functional Training.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the foam rolling technique and static stretching on perceptual and neuromuscular parameters following a bout of high-intensity functional training (HIFT), which consisted of 100 pull-ups, 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, and 100 air squats (Angie benchmark) in recreationally trained men (n = 39). Following baseline measurements (Feeling Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Total Quality Recovery, Sit-and-Reach, Countermovement Jump, and Change-of-Direction t-test), the volunteers performed a single bout of HIFT. At the end of the session, participants were randomly assigned to one of three distinct groups: control (CONT), foam rolling (FR), or static stretching (SS). At the 24 h time-point, a second experimental session was conducted to obtain the post-test values. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Regarding power performance, none of the three groups reached pretest levels at 24 h point of the intervention. However, the CONT group still showed a greater magnitude of effect at the 24 h time-point (ES = 0.51, p ≥ 0.05). Flexibility presented the same recovery pattern as power performance (post × 24 h CONT = ES = 0.28, FR = ES = 0.21, SS = ES = 0.19). At 24 h, all groups presented an impaired performance in the COD t-test (CONT = ES = 0.24, FR = ES = 0.65, SS = ES = 0.56 p ≥ 0.05). The FR protocol resulted in superior recovery perceptions (pre × 24 h TQR = ES = 0.32 p ≥ 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that the use of FR and SS exercises may not be indicated when aiming to restore neuromuscular performance following a single bout of HIFT. The use of the FR technique during the cooldown phase of a HIFT session may be helpful in improving an individual's perception of recovery.

Effect of the ACTN-3 gene polymorphism on functional fitness and executive function of elderly.

During aging, physical integrity and cognitive abilities, especially executive function, become compromised, directly influencing the quality of life of the elderly. One good strategy to ensure healthy aging is the practice of physical exercise. Activities to improve aerobic capacity and muscle strength are extremely important in old age. However, some genetic factors can interfere both positively and negatively with these gains. In this context, the polymorphism rs1815739 (R577X) of the α-actinin 3 gene (ACTN-3) is commonly studied and related to muscle phenotype. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of the ACTN-3 gene polymorphism on the functional fitness (measured by the Senior Fit test) and cognitive capacity (evaluated by the Stroop test) of the elderly (n = 347), both men and women. We did not find the effect of genotype on functional fitness, but we did observed a positive effect of the ACTN-3 gene polymorphism on executive function. The presence of the X allele of the ACTN3 gene in the elderly was related to a better performance in the Stroop test (shorter answer time). Our results showed that ACTN-3 gene polymorphism affects the executive function of the elderly but not their functional fitness.

Time Course of Recovery Following CrossFit® Karen Benchmark Workout in Trained Men.

The establishment of fatigue following the acute exercise stimulus is a complex and multi-factorial process, that might arise due to a range of distinct physiological mechanisms. However, a practical method of assessing CrossFit® athletes' recovery status has been neglected entirely in real-world sporting practice. The study describes the acute and delayed time course of recovery following the CrossFit® Benchmark Workout Karen. Eight trained men (28.4 ± 6.4 years; 1RM back squat 139.1 ± 26.0 kg) undertook the Karen protocol. The protocol consists of 150 Wall Balls (9 kg), aiming to hit a target 3 m high. Countermovement jump height (CMJ), creatine kinase (CK), and perceived recovery status scale (PRS) (general, lower and upper limbs) were assessed pre, post-0h, 24, 48 and 72 h after the session. The creatine kinase concentration 24 h after was higher than pre-exercise (338.4 U/L vs. 143.3 U/L; p = 0.040). At 48h and 72 h following exercise, CK concentration had returned to baseline levels (p > 0.05). The general, lower and upper limbs PRS scores were lower in the 24-h post-exercise compared to pre-exercise (general PRS: 4.7 ± 1.5 and 7.7 ± 1.7; p = 0.013; upper limbs PRS: 6.6 ± 1.3 and 7.5 ± 1.3; p = 0.037; lower limbs PRS: 3.9 ± 2.5 and 7.3 ± 0.1; p = 0.046). Our findings provide insights into the fatigue profile and recovery in acute CrossFit® and can be useful to coaches and practitioners when planning training programs. Moreover, recovery status can be useful to optimize training monitoring and to minimize the potential detrimental effects associated with the performance of repeated high-intensity sessions of CrossFit®.

Higher Body Mass Index Values Do Not Impact Physical Function and Lower-Extremity Muscle Strength Performance in Active Older Individuals.

This study examined the potential impact of BMI on physical function and lower-extremity muscle strength (leg extension and flexion peak torque) performance in active/trained older individuals. Sixty-four active/trained older individuals were enrolled, and later allocated to groups according to BMI categories (normal [≤ 24.9 kg/m2], overweight [25 to 29.9 kg/m2] and obese [≥ 30 kg/m2]). Sixty-four active/trained older individuals were enrolled, and later allocated to groups according to BMI categories (normal [≤ 24.9 kg/m2], overweight [25 to 29.9 kg/m2] and obese [≥ 30 kg/m2]). Assessments were conducted in two separate visits to the laboratory. In the first visit, participants underwent measures of height, body mass, and peak torque leg extension and flexion using an isokinetic dynamometer. On visit two, participants performed the 30-second Sit and Stand test (30SST), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and 6-minute Walk (6MW) tests. ANOVA one-way was used to analyze the data and significance was set at P < .05. One-way ANOVAs did not reveal significance differences among BMI categories for leg extension peak torque (F(2,61) = 1.11; P = 0.336), leg flexion peak torque (F(2,61) = 1.22; P = 0.303), 30SST (F(2,61) =1.28; P = 0.285), TUG (F(2,61) = 0.238; P = 0.789), and 6MW (F(2,61) = 2.52; P = 0.089)]. Our findings indicated that for older individuals who exercise regularly, physical function tests which mimic ordinary activities of daily living, are not impacted by BMI status. Thus, being physically active may counteract some of the negative effects of high BMI observed in the older adult population.

Analysis of Pacing Strategies in AMRAP, EMOM, and FOR TIME Training Models during "Cross" Modalities.

Empirically, it is widely discussed in "Cross" modalities that the pacing strategy developed by an athlete or trainee has a significant impact on the endurance performance in a WOD in the AMRAP, EMOM, or FOR TIME model. We can observe at least six pacing strategies adopted during the cyclical modalities in the endurance performance in the scientific literature. However, besides these modalities, exercises of acyclical modalities of weightlifting and gymnastics are performed in the "Cross" modalities. These exercises may not allow the same pacing strategies adopted during cyclic modalities' movements due to their motor characteristics and different intensity and level of effort imposed to perform the motor gesture. In addition to the intensity and level of effort that are generally unknown to the coach and athlete of the "Cross" modalities, another factor that can influence the adoption of a pacing strategy during a WOD in the AMRAP, EMOM, or FOR TIME model is the task endpoint knowledge, which varies according to the training model used. Thus, our objective was to evaluate situations in which these factors can influence the pacing strategies adopted in a self-regulated task with cyclic and acyclic modalities movements during an endurance workout in the AMRAP, EMOM, and FOR TIME model. Given the scarcity of studies in the scientific literature and the increasing discussion of this topic within the "Cross" modalities, this manuscript can help scientists and coaches better orient their research problems or training programs and analyze and interpret new findings more accurately.

Local Muscle Endurance and Strength Had Strong Relationship with CrossFit® Open 2020 in Amateur Athletes.

This study analyzed the relationship between anthropometric measures, cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, power, and local muscle endurance with performance in the CrossFit® Open 2020. For this, 17 volunteers (6 women) (29.0 ± 7.2 years) completed, on separate weeks, tests for body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), maximal oxygen consumption (2 km row test), muscle strength (one repetition maximum (1 RM) back and front squat, isometric peak torque), muscle power (1 RM snatch and clean and jerk) and muscle endurance (Tibana test), which were compared with performance during the CrossFit® Open 2020. Specific tests of localized muscular endurance and muscle strength had the strongest relationship with performance in the CrossFit® Open 2020. On the other hand, the percentage of fat and cardiorespiratory capacity were not significantly correlated with CrossFit® Open 2020 workout performance. Coaches and practitioners should therefore utilize these findings to assess physical fitness and organize the distribution of the training session based on less developed physical needs, in order to ensure an appropriate physiological adaptation for a given competition.

Corrigendum: Effects of Whole Body Electrostimulation Associated With Body Weight Training on Functional Capacity and Body Composition in Inactive Older People.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.638936.].

Corrigendum: Effects of Whole Body Electrostimulation Associated With Body Weight Training on Functional Capacity and Body Composition in Inactive Older People.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.638936.].

Effects of Whole Body Electrostimulation Associated With Body Weight Training on Functional Capacity and Body Composition in Inactive Older People.

Objective: To analyze the effects of whole body electrostimulation (WB-EMS) with body weight training on functional fitness and body composition of older men. Methods: Twenty physically inactive older men were randomized into: Control group (control), performed the body weight exercise training wearing electrostimulation clothing, but without receiving electrical current stimuli (n = 10), and body weight associated with whole body electrostimulation group (BW+WB-EMS), performed the body weight exercise training wearing electrostimulation clothing plus whole body electrostimulation (n = 10). The training sessions were performed twice a week for 6 weeks and included eight exercises using body weight, performed in two sets of eight repetitions. Physical function was assessed using a battery composed of seven tests, six derived from the Senior fitness test and a handgrip strength test. We also measured the muscle thickness (MT) of the biceps and triceps brachii and vastus lateralis. Results: The BW+WB-EMS group presented increased (p < 0.05) performance in the 30-s chair stand test (10.2 ± 3.3 vs. 13.8 ± 5.0 reps), arm curl (16.6 ± 3.9 vs. 19.9 ± 6.1 reps), 6-min walk test (402 ± 96 vs. 500 ± 104 m), and handgrip strength test (30 ± 11 vs. 32 ± 11 kgf). The BW+WB-EMS group also presented increased MT (p < 0.05) in the biceps brachii (17.7 ± 3.0 vs. 21.4 ± 3.4 mm), triceps brachial (14.7 ± 3.6 vs. 17.5 ± 4.1 mm), and vastus lateralis muscles (15.1 ± 2.6 vs. 18.6 ± 4.3 mm). Moderate correlations were found in arm curl (p = 0.011, r = 0.552) but not handgrip strength (p = 0.053, r = 0.439) with changes in the biceps MT. Moderate changes in the 6-min walk distance were significantly correlated with changes in vastus lateralis MT (p = 0.036, r = 0.471). There was a moderate correlation between the changes in the 30-s chair stand test (p = 0.006, r = 0.589) and changes in the vastus lateralis MT. Furthermore, although a moderate correlation (r = 0.438) was found between triceps MT and handgrip strength no significant difference (p = 0.053) was reported. Additionally, there were no statistical differences in any parameters for the control group. Conclusion: WB-EMS with body weight training increased functional fitness and MT in physically inactive older men.

Relationship of Body Composition with the Strength and Functional Capacity of People over 70 Years.

BACKGROUND: Aging is a multifactorial physiological phenomenon, in which a series of changes in the body composition occur, such as a decrease in muscle mass and bone mineral density and an increase in fat mass. This study aimed to determine the relationship of muscle mass, osteoporosis, and obesity with the strength and functional capacity of non-dependent people over 70 years of age. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed, whose study population was all people aged over 70 years, living independently and attending academic and recreational programs. Muscle strength and functional capacity of the participants were assessed by isometric exercises of lower and upper limbs and by four tests taken from the Senior Fitness Test, respectively. Bone mineral density, total mass, fat mass, total lean mass, arms lean mass, legs lean mass, and appendicular lean mass (ALM) was calculated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Differences in muscle strength and functional capacity, according to the sex, muscle mass, mineral bone density and fat mass, were measured by χ2 test, independent samples Student's t-test, analysis of covariance and a 2-factor analysis of covariance; Results: 143 subjects were included in the study group. Men and women with an adequate amount of ALM adjusted for body mass index (BMI) had a maximal dynamic biceps strength in a single repetition, a maximal isometric leg extension strength, a maximal dynamic leg extension strength in a single repetition, a maximum right hand grip strength and maximum hand grip strength (the highest). Significantly higher values were observed in the maximal isometric biceps' strength in men with osteoporosis. Obese men had less isometric strength in the biceps and took longer to perform the chair stand test; Conclusions: Men and women with an adequate amount of ALM adjusted for BMI obtained better results in tests of muscle strength and functional capacity. However, osteoporosis and obesity are not related to these parameters.

Criterion-Referenced Fitness Standards Associated with Maintaining Functional Capacity in Chilean Older Adults.

The aim of the current study was to develop fitness standards associated with maintaining physical capacity in older adults at two different levels-that needed for advanced functioning and that needed for maintaining moderate (independent) functional ability. This was a cross-sectional study of 406 Chilean adults aged 60 and more. Functional capacity was measured through the Composite Physical Function (CPF) scale. A battery of validated fitness tests for this population was used. Based on the results of the CPF, two variables were created: "advanced physical capacity" (defined as those scoring 24 on the CPF scale) and "moderate (independent) physical capacity," defined as those scoring between 14 and 23 on the CPF scale. Fitness cut-off values were calculated for each of the two created variables to evaluate the risk of losing the independence through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves analysis and logistic regression. The developed cut-off points provide important information for professionals working directly with older adults, to detect the risk of losing functionality and independence.

Sociodemographic and health factors associated with functional fitness in older women from a physical activity program in southern Brazil / Fatores sociodemográficos e de saúde associados à aptidão funcional em mulheres idosas de um programa de atividade física do sul do Brasil

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association of sociodemographic (skin color, socioeconomic level, educational level, occupational and marital status) and health (high blood pressure, self-reported health problems, use of medicines and health perception), with the functional fitness in older women from a physical activity program. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigates sociodemographic and health variables assessed by questionnaires and the association with functional fitness measured with the "Senior Fitness Test". Statistical analysis used the Kruskal-Wallis test to check for differences among age groups, chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses to investigate associations between each component of functional fitness and independent variables. Results: The final sample consisted of 1,806 older women, mean age 68.93 years (SD 6.6). Sociodemographic (skin color, socioeconomic class and educational level) and health variables (high blood pressure, self-reported health problems and health perception) were associated with different components of functional fitness and the overall score of functional capacity. Conclusion: Among all the independent variables, educational level and health perception were those most correlatedto functional fitness. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a associação de fatores sociodemográficos (cor da pele, classe econômica, escolaridade, ocupação e estado civil) e saúde (pressão arterial, problemas de saúde auto reportados, utilização de medicamentos e percepção de saúde) com a aptidão funcional em mulheres idosas de um programa de atividade física. Métodos: Este estudo com delineamento transversal investigou variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde por meio de questionário e aptidão funcional por meio do "Senior Fitness Test". O teste de Kruskall-Wallis foi utilizado para diferenças entre faixas etárias, o Qui-Quadrado e Regressão Logística Ordinal para analisar associações entre aptidão funcional e as variáveis independentes. Resultados: A amostra final consistiu em 1.806 mulheres, com idade média de 68,9 anos (DP 6,6). Fatores sociodemográficos (cor da pele, classe econômica e escolaridade) e de saúde (pressão arterial, percepção de saúde e problemas de saúde auto reportados) estiveram associados aos diferentes componentes da aptidão funcional em idosas. Conclusão: Dentre todas as variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde, a escolaridade e percepção de saúde apresentaram as associações mais relevantes com o escore geral e os componentes de aptidão funcional. (AU)

Influence of Estimated Training Status on Anti and Pro-Oxidant Activity, Nitrite Concentration, and Blood Pressure in Middle-Aged and Older Women.

The purpose of this study was to compare the association between anti and pro-oxidant activity, nitrite concentration, and blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and older women with different levels of estimated training status (TS). The sample consisted of 155 females (50-84 years) who were submitted to a physical examination to evaluate estimated TS through the "Functional Fitness Battery Test," BP measurements, and plasma blood samples to evaluate pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity and nitrite concentrations. Participants were separated by age into a middle-aged group (<65 years) and an older (≥65 years) group and then subdivided in each group according to TS. Blood biochemistry was similar between groups. On the other hand, protein oxidation was lower in participants with higher TS, independent of age. Older females with higher TS presented higher nitrite concentrations, lower lipoperoxidation, and lower values of BP compared with those with lower TS. Lower GPx activity was observed in participants with higher TS compared with middle-aged with lower TS. Thus, our results suggest that good levels of TS may be associated with lower oxidative stress and higher nitrite concentration and may contribute to maintain normal or reduced blood pressure values.

Nivel de aptitud funcional en mujeres no institucionalizadas mayores de 60 años de una ciudad de España / Nível de aptidão funcional em mulheres não institucionalizadas com mais de 60 anos de uma cidade da Espanha / Functional fitness level among non-institutionalized women over 60 years of age from a Spanish city

La disminución de la Aptitud Funcional (AF) en personas mayores se asocia con una mayor dependencia y discapacidad. Aspecto de interés en el contexto actual del envejecimiento en el mundo y España. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de AF en un grupo de mujeres no institucionalizadas mayores de 60 años de una ciudad de España. Métodos: estudio transversal con 176 mujeres. La AF se evaluó con cuatro pruebas de la batería Senior Fitness Test (SFT): “flexiones de brazos”, “chair stand”, “2-minutos marcha” y “8 foot up-and-go test”. La baja AF se definió a partir de los puntos de corte estandarizados por Rikli & Jones (2013). Se incluyó la fuerza de prensión manual como otra prueba de AF. Resultados: la baja AF fue más frecuente en las pruebas de “flexiones de brazos” y “fuerza de presión manual” (21,0% y 15,9% respectivamente) y la de menor disminución fue “chair stand” con 7,4%. La AF disminuyó con el aumento de la edad, presentando diferencias significativas a partir de los 75 años (p<0,05). Ser obeso se asoció con una menor AF en las pruebas de 2-minutos marcha y “8-foot up-and-go test” (p<0,05). Conclusiones: la fuerza de miembros superiores fue el parámetro con más bajo desempeño, mientras el aumento de la edad y la condición de obesidad se asociaron con una disminución en la AF. La evaluación de la AF es una herramienta útil en el diagnóstico de la condición de salud en las personas mayores. Se requieren otras investigaciones orientadas a la estandarización de puntos de corte asociados con una baja AF en población española...

Associa-se a diminuição da Aptidão Funcional (AF) em pessoas idosas a uma maior dependência e limitação. Aspecto de interesse no contexto atual do envelhecimento no mundo e na Espanha. Objetivo: determinar o nível de AF em um grupo de mulheres não institucionalizadas maiores de 60 anos de uma cidade da Espanha. Métodos: estudo transversal com 176 mulheres. Avaliou-se a AF com quatro testes da bateria Sênior Fitness Test (SFT): “flexões de braços”, “chair stand”, “2-minutos de caminhada” e “8 foot up-and-go test”. A queda de AF foi definida a partir dos pontos de corte padronizados por Rikli & Jones (2013). Acrescentou-se a força de pressão manual como outra prova de AF. Resultados: a queda de AF foi mais frequente nos testes de “flexões de braços” e “força de pressão manual” (21,0% e 15,9% respectivamente) e a de menor diminuição foi “chair stand” com 7,4%. A AF diminuiu com o aumento da idade, apresentando diferenças significativas a partir dos 75 anos (p<0,05). Ser obeso as sociou-se a uma menor AF nos testes de 2-minutos de caminhada e “8-foot up-and-go test” (p<0,05). Conclusões: a força de membros superiores foi o parâmetro com menor desempenho, enquanto o aumento da idade e a condição de obesidade foram associadas à diminuição na AF. A avaliação da AF é uma ferramenta útil no diagnóstico do estado de saúde nos idosos. São necessárias outras pesquisas orientadas à padronização de pontos de corte associados à queda de AF na população espanhola...

Decrease in functional fitness (FF) in older persons is associated with a greater dependence and disability. This is an area of interest in the current context of global aging and Spain. Objective: determine the level of FF in a group of non-institutionalized women over 60 years of age from a city of Spain. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out in 176 women. The FF was determined by four of the senior fitness test (SFT): arm curl test, chair stand, 2-min step test and ‘8 foot upand- go test’. The low FF was defined from standardized cut points by Rikli & Jones (2013). Grip strength was included as another FF test. Results: the low AF was more frequent in ‘arm curl test’ and the grip strength (21.0% and 15.9% respectively) and the lowest decrease was “chair stand” with 7.4%. The FF decreased with increasing age, showing a significant difference from 75 years (p <0,05). Obese persons had lower FF in ‘2-min step test’ and ‘8 foot up-and-go test’ (p <0.05). Conclusion: upper limb strength was the lowest performing parameter while increasing in age and condition of obesity are associated a decrease in the FF. The evaluation of the FF is a useful tool in the diagnosis of health status in the elderly. More research is needed by aiming at the standardization of cut points associated with low FF in Spanish population...

Comparison of the functional profile of elderly women with urinary continence and incontinence / Comparação do perfil funcional de mulheres idosas com continentes urinária e incontinentes urinária

Urinary incontinence (UI), more prevalent in women and influencing their functional decline, increases with age. Current longitudinal study with two data collection in 2005-2006 and 2011 compares the functional profile of urinary continence and incontinence in elderly women. Sixty-eight women were divided into females with urinary continence (CG; n = 62) and females with urinary incontinence (IG; n = 6). Dependent variables measured were obesity and body adiposity indexes and functional fitness. Data were given in means with standard deviation (±) and analyzed by the independent t-test (p < 0.05). There were six cases of UI. In the first evaluation group differences occurred for waist circumference (CG: 85.3±9.7 cm; IG: 91.2 ± 12.4cm; t=-2.267; p < 0.05) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CG: 517.9 ± 67.3 m; IG: 463.0±85.9 m; t = 2.571; p < 0.05). CG had a better functional profile, excepting flexibility and lower limbs strength, in the second evaluation. Women with UI had higher waist circumference and lower cardiorespiratory fitness. This may be due to the relationship between the variables and greater abdominal compression and functional decline. Results show that future public health strategies should focus on these factors to decrease the risk of people developing UI and to improve physical-functional and psycho-social benefits to elderly women.

O risco de incontinência urinária (IU) aumenta com o decorrer da idade, sendo mais prevalente em mulheres e pode acelerar o declínio funcional. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a aptidão funcional de idosas continentes e incontinentes. Estudo longitudinal com duas avaliações: 2005-2006 e 2011. Participaram deste estudo 68 mulheres classificadas em: continentes (GC; n = 62) e Incontinentes (GI; n = 6) . Foram avaliados indicadores de obesidade e adiposidade corporal, e aptidão funcional. Os dados foram descritos pela média, desvio-padrão (±) e analisados pelo Test-t independente. Ocorreram seis casos incidentes de IU. Os grupos diferiram nas variáveis circunferência de cintura (GC: 85,3 ± 9,7 cm; e GI: 91,2 ± 12,4 cm; t = -2,267; p < 0,05) e aptidão cardiorrespiratória (GC: 517,9 ± 67,3 m; e GI: 463,0 ± 85,9 m; t = 2,571; p < 0,05) na primeira avaliação. O GC apresentou melhor perfil funcional, com exceção da flexibilidade e força de membros inferiores na segunda avaliação. Mulheres que desenvolveram IU apresentam excesso de adiposidade central e menor aptidão cardiorrespiratória. Tal fato pode ser explicado pela relação dessas variáveis com maior compressão abdominal e o declínio funcional. Sendo assim, recomenda-se que futuras estratégias de saúde pública enfoquem esses fatores a fim de minimizar o risco de IU, e consequentemente, refletindo em benefícios físico-funcionais, e psicossociais a estes indivíduos.