Factors associated with low levels of physical activity among elderly residents in a small urban area in the interior of the Brazilian Amazon

Relationship between physical function and sarcopenia in the older adults from Amazonas: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Physical functioning refers to the ability to perform daily living activities, namely basic activities, instrumental, and advanced activities. Poorer performance in these areas may indicate the potential presence of sarcopenia.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the differences in physical function between older people with and without sarcopenia and to investigate the associations between physical function tests and sarcopenia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study based on data from older people from the Northern region of Brazil in the year 2018 was conducted. Study participants included 312 older people aged ≥  60 years (64.1% female). Sarcopenia was defined using the updated criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). Physical functioning was measured using functional physical fitness tests (30-second chair stand test, chair sit-and-reach test, 8-foot Up-and-Go Test, 6-minute walk test, 4-meter gait speed, and the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale).

RESULTS

Confirmed sarcopenia was detected in 29.2% of participants, but no participant had severe sarcopenia. Most physical function parameters in the crude analysis were associated with confirmed sarcopenia (all p < 0.05), except for the back scratch test. In a model adjusted for sex, age and body mass index, slower 4-meter gait speed (OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.08 to 1.54), slower 8-foot up-and-go test time (OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.16 to 1.49), greater chair sit-and-reach test (OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.94 to 0.99) and higher self-reported Composite Physical Function scores (OR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.89 to 0.99) were significantly associated with confirmed sarcopenia status.

CONCLUSIONS

EWGSOP2 confirmed sarcopenia is prevalent in older people residing in Brazil's Northern region and is independently associated with slower walking speed and chair rising ability, reduced trunk and lower-limb flexibility, as well as poorer self-reported physical function.

Can the association between hypertension and physical activity be moderated by age?

Objectives

Physical inactivity, hypertension and non-communicable diseases are major public concerns across the globe. To our knowledge, there is a lack of research that has investigated the moderating effect of age on the relationship between hypertension and physical activity in developing countries. This study had two objectives: (1) investigating hypertension and sociodemographic factors associated with physical activity and (2) investigating whether age moderates the relationship between hypertension and physical activity.

Methods

Nationally representative data of Malaysia were used to generate cross-sectional evidence. The sample size was 2156 respondents. An ordered probit regression was utilized to assess factors associated with the practice of physical activity.

Results

Respondents aged 40-49 years with hypertension were 7.3% less likely to participate in high-level physical activity when compared to those without hypertension. The probability of having a low level of physical activity was 12.3% higher among hypertensive patients aged ≥60. Males, married individuals, less-educated adults, low-income earners, and individuals who were aware of their BMI, had a higher tendency to indulge in a highly active lifestyle than others.

Conclusion

The effect of hypertension on physical activity was moderated by age. Factors influencing physical activity levels among adults were income, gender, marital status, education, employment status, and BMI awareness.

PREVENTION OF KNEE INJURIES USING TEAM SPORTS IN THE AGED POPULATION

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aging population in the growing national industrialization and urbanization supports an unhealthy lifestyle where the prevention and control of chronic diseases are difficult. Approximately 68% of the elderly have some type of chronic disease, mostly musculoskeletal, especially in the knee joint, compromising their autonomy and affecting their social life, with psychological impacts in the long term. Team sports suggest great therapeutic potential in this group, but there are few studies. Objective: Analyze the situation of team sports among the elderly, propose methods to prevent knee joint injuries, and test these implements’ preventive effects. Methods: 92 elderly volunteers who participated in community sports were selected. To understand the causes and main types of knee joint injuries, the elderly were analyzed during community sports, including using the FMS method for health testing. Results: After the tests, it can be seen that the mean FMS score of all the community elderly is 14.23 points, and the total score is 12.00-17.00; the mean score of the overall knee joint injury is increased by 2.65, and the mean FMS score of the female knee joint injury is greatly benefited. Conclusion: After the proposed preventive measures focused on the knee joint, the AFF examinations of the community elderly were significantly improved, indicating that the proposed actions are effective and deserve to be replicated. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

MOVEMENT TECHNIQUE ANALYSIS AND SPORTS INJURIES PREVENTION IN THE ELDERLY PHYSICAL TRAINING

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical training for the elderly is extremely popular. However, there is a lack of analysis on sports injuries in the elderly. Objective: Study the analysis of movement in sports training techniques and preventing sports injuries in the elderly. Methods: Participating in a 15-minute running and warm-up activity before using the standard FMS test kit, they followed seven test movements, each repeated three times; they did so during six weeks of training based on the recommendations for the prevention of sports injuries presented in this paper. Results: Among the 14 elderly subjects with a total FMS score <14 points, most functional motor scores were 15-16 points, of which 19 points were high, and 9 points were low. In the intervention based on the perspective of sports injuries, the FMS measurement value of the elderly was much better than before, and the evaluation of the technical analysis of movement after the correction was significantly higher than before. Conclusion: The prevention of sports injuries proposed in this paper can effectively help the elderly to prevent sports injuries. This paper considers the FMS trial design as an example for analyzing movements in sports training of the elderly and formulating standards. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

PHYSICAL EXERCISES IN THE REHABILITATION OF SPORTS INJURIES IN THE ELDERLY

ABSTRACT Introduction: According to the background of the healthy aging population and national fitness care, rapid development has begun in national sports in China. This development is the result of current research on the current scenario. Objective: Study the effects of exercise on the rehabilitation of middle-aged and elderly people with sports injuries. Methods: Twenty individuals were recruited for the experiment; the experimental group received the rehabilitation exercise protocol three times a week for four weeks, while the control group maintained the original lifestyle with no exercise or vigorous exercise. Results: It was found that there was no significant difference in height, weight, and body fat percentage after the aerobic exercise intervention training protocol (P>0.05), but there was a significant difference in BMI between the experimental group and the control group after the intervention training period (P<0.05). The VAS score of the experimental group before and after training decreased from 5.49 to 0.90, showing a significant effect, indicating a significant difference between the experimental group before and after training (P<0.05). Conclusion: The research shows that exercise positively affects the prevention and rehabilitation of sports injuries. The results obtained can help groups in national fitness. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Prevalence of and risk factors for dynapenic abdominal obesity in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study

Abstract This article aims to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in older adults in a city in the northern region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 382 community-dwelling older adults in Macapa, Amapa, Brazil. Socioeconomic, clinical, and health information were collected using a structured form. DAO was defined as a combination of dynapenia (handgrip strength of < 26 kgf for men and < 16 kgf for women) and abdominal obesity (abdominal circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using chi-squared tests, Student’s t-tests, and a Poisson regression. The prevalence of DAO was 10.73%. In the preliminary bivariate analysis, the variables of age range, marital status, number of diseases, functional disability for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, gait speed, and level of physical activity met the established criterion. The final model indicated that only gait speed was a predictor of DAO in older adults. DAO affects nearly 11% of community-dwelling older adults from northern Brazil; gait speed was a predictor of DAO and could be a useful tool for managing and monitoring this population’s health.

Long-term living in unfavorable socioeconomic conditions impairs late-life gait performance

BACKGROUND

Low socioeconomic status has been associated with individual health-related problems; however, no study has specifically investigated the impact of socioeconomic disparities on gait performance using an index that considers the population aggregation, as the Human Development Index (HDI). Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess gait parameters of older people living in cities with differences in socioeconomic conditions, identified by HDI.

METHODS

Cross-sectional design study conducted with a sample of 233 older people from two Brazilians regions: Coari, state of Amazonas, Brazil (n= 124, low-HDI-Bra) and Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil (n= 109, very high-HDI-Bra). The gait performance was assessed by an electronic walkway, and the interest variables were gait speed, cadence, stride time, step length and stride width.

RESULTS

Low-HDI-Bra group presented worse gait performance as identified by slower gait speed (p = < .001), slower cadence (p = < .001), higher stride time (p = < .001), shorter step length (p = < .001), compared with the very high-HDI-Bra group. There was a positive association between HDI, and gait spend, cadence and step length, and there was a negative association between HDI and stride time and stride width.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term exposure to socioeconomic inequalities found in low HDI cities may impair gait performance in late life. Such information may be relevant to create public politics that use the gait parameter based on the region where the people live.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity in a Community Setting

This article analyses how physical activity reinforces each of the dimensions (mental, physical, social, etc.) of the health-related quality of life concept. To that end, we determined whether this relationship is moderated by educational level and area of residence. The empirical part was based on data obtained from a cross-sectional survey carried out in the Casablanca neighbourhood (Zaragoza, Spain). The sample comprised 1083 participants aged between 25 and 84 years residing in the three residential areas of this neighbourhood: Viñedo Viejo, Las Nieves and Fuentes Claras. These three areas exhibit significant socio-economic differences in their population. The self-reported questionnaire included the following key information for this study: socio-economic characteristics (sex, age, educational level and area of residence) and health-related quality of life (WHOQOL-Brief: mental health, physical health, social relations and environment). The main results obtained from the descriptive statistics and regression systems were added. Playing a sport or undertaking some physical activity brings many health benefits, both physical and mental. The educational level and area of residence affect this relationship, such that the effects of physical activity are greater for those residents of Casablanca who have a higher educational level and/or live in more favoured areas of this neighbourhood. The results have also been discussed by sex and age group. Investing in innovative programmes in educational institutions and communities to acquire healthy habits and behaviour patterns that take into account socioeconomic differences in the population would be an advisable public health strategy.

Functional performance of older adults: A comparison between men and women

The objective of this study was to compare the functional performance of community-dwelling older adults of both sexes and investigate the possible mediation aspects that may influence the sex differences regarding socioeconomic and anthropometric characteristics, health status, and quadriceps muscle strength. 233 Brazilian older adults were assessed, and men's and women's sociodemographic data, physical activity level, quadriceps muscle strength, functional performance (gait speed and the SPPB), and history of falls were compared. Sex differences in functional performance were observed even after statistically adjusting the model (age, body mass, income, physical activity level, and occurrence of falls). When quadriceps muscle strength was included in the adjusted model, the sex difference remained only for gait speed. When stature was included in the adjusted model, the sex difference in gait speed disappeared. Our results suggest that the sex difference in functional performance assessed by the SPPB can be explained due to the fact that men are stronger than women. In addition, the sex difference regarding gait speed was explained by the sex difference in stature. Public actions that encourage older women to practice physical activities that promote increased muscle strength can positively interfere with their best functional performance for as long as possible.

Association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults in the Amazon region: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Existence of an association between sedentary behavior and frailty among older adults has been suggested. However, there is a lack of studies conducted in Brazil, especially in areas of the Amazon region.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study carried out in Macapá, state of Amapá, Brazil.

METHODS

Frailty status was assessed using Fried's frailty phenotype, and sedentary behavior was evaluated using two questions concerning time spent in a seated position, from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to verify the association between frailty syndrome and sedentary behavior.

RESULTS

The final study sample was made up of 411 older adults with a mean age of 70.14 ± 7.25 years and an average daily duration of sedentary behavior of 2.86 ± 2.53 hours. The prevalence of non-frailty was 28.7%, prevalence of pre-frailty was 58.4% and prevalence of frailty was 12.9%. The adjusted analysis showed that there were independent associations between sedentary behavior and pre-frailty (odds ratio, OR = 1.18; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.34) and between sedentary behavior and frailty (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02-1.40).

CONCLUSION

Frailty and pre-frailty status were associated with sedentary behavior among community-dwelling older adults.

Validity of the short physical performance battery for screening for frailty syndrome among older people in the Brazilian Amazon region. A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Environmental and population characteristics seem to influence the variation in cutoff points of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for diagnosing frailty syndrome among older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To verify the validity of the SPPB for screening for frailty syndrome among older adults in the Amazonian context.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional population-based study on older adults in the urban area of Coari (AM), Brazil.

METHODS

In total, 264 older adults (60 years of age or over) were included. Frailty syndrome was defined using the Fried phenotype criteria. The SPPB cutoff points were compared in relation to frailty and validity measurements were calculated for the test.

RESULTS

A strong association between poor physical performance and frailty was identified (P < 0.001). The cutoff point of 6 demonstrated the best validity measurements for frailty in the sample studied (sensitivity: 0.28; specificity: 0.94; accuracy: 0.88; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC-ROC: 0.61; likelihood ratio, LR+: 4.44; LR-: 0.77; prevalence: 8.3%; post-test probability, PTP+: 0.32; PTP-: 0.07), with emphasis on high specificity and the positive likelihood ratio value.

CONCLUSION

The SPPB was shown to be useful for screening frail older adults in the Amazon region. The score of 6 demonstrated the best cutoff point for this population. This could be used in healthcare services for diagnostic screening for frailty among older people within the Amazonian context.

Level of Physical Activity and Its Associated Factors Among Type II Diabetes Patients in Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity results in poor control of chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus. The main reason for being overweight and obese among patients with chronic illness is low level of physical activity. Thus, this study aimed to assess level of physical activity and its associated factors among type II diabetes patients at Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed from October 1 to November 25 2019 in Dessie Referral Hospital. The study utilized systematic sampling technique to recruit the sample population of 364 diabetic patients. Face-to-face exit interview was used to collect the data. The data were presented with text and tables. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of low level of physical activity at a P-value of <0.05.

RESULTS

From the total study participants, 110 (33.1%) of them did not perform health enhancing physical activity. Patients whose body mass index was below 18.5 kg/m2 did not perform health enhancing physical activity twice more likely compared with patients whose weight was normal (AOR=2.36, 95%CI: 0.02-5.42). Patients who were depressed did not perform health enhancing physical activity five times more likely compared with their counterparts (AOR=4.83, 95%CI: 1.46-15.96). In addition, being widowed (P=0.037), living in an urban area (P=0.028) and duration of disease (P=0.020) were statistically associated with low level of physical activity.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The level of physical activity among patients with type II diabetes was low. Being widowed, living in an urban area, being underweight, duration of disease and being depressed were independent predictors of low level of physical activity. Health education should be given in every visit to patients with type II diabetes. Promotion of physical activity through campaign should be done.

Association with subjective measured physical activity (GPAQ) and quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF) of ageing adults in Hungary, a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

It is well known that physical activity (PA) has health benefits. This study aimed to examine physical activity carried out by the senior (over 50) participants and its relation to their quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

Surveillance of PA and QoL was measured by using questionnaires (GPAQ, WHOQoL-BREF) in this study. Descriptive data were presented as means and standard deviations (SD) for continuous variables and as percentages for categorical variables. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Overall, 250 participants were recruited, the mean age of the study population (n = 243) was 70.2 (SD 7.1) years. The results clearly showed that the Hungarian participants aged over 50 years were more likely to do PA if they had university degree and lower age (p ≤ 0.001) and used more active transportation (p = 0.035) if they had low education. The results of WHOQoL-BREF showed that the Hungarian individuals have better QoL if they have university degree (p ≤ 0.001) and lower age (p ≤ 0.001). Using multivariate linear regression analysis to examine the effect of PA patterns on QoL adjusted for demographic variables (age, education, BMI, place of living), the result showed significant correlation between WHOQoL-BREF dimensions and GPAQ (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Higher amount of PA among aging population can result in better QoL in all dimensions.

Influence of the Amazonian context on the frailty of older adults: A population-based study

The study aimed to identify the prevalence of frailty syndrome and its associated factors in older adults residents in an urban area in the interior of Amazonas, Brazil. This is a population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 265 older adults (60 years or older), representative of the urban area of Coari-AM. Using the adapted Fried phenotype, those with 3 criteria or more were considered frail. Socio-demographic, health, and functionality information was collected. Multivariate analysis was used through Poisson regression with robust variance, using a hierarchical method for the dichotomous outcome of frailty. The prevalence of frailty was 9.4 % and in the final multivariate analysis model the factors associated with frailty were: advanced age (PR: 4.1; 95 % CI: 1.8-9.3), income less than one minimum wage (PR: 3.4; 1.7-6.9), masonry housing (PR: 3.3; 1.3-8.2), never having lived in a riverside community (PR: 2.7; 1.4-5.4), use of 3 medications or more (PR: 3.1; 1,4-6.9), history of falling (PR: 2.3; 1.1-4.9), and fear of falling (PR: 4.1; 1.3-13.0). The study concluded that the prevalence of frailty in Coari-AM was lower than other Brazilian cities with a similar HDI. In addition to factors associated with frailty already well described in the literature, the influence of the Amazonian culture and environment during the course of life was shown to have a possible protective effect on health outcomes in later life.

Functional Independence of Adults and the Elderly Attended by a Family Health Strategy in Teixeira de Freitas-BA

AbstractAging is related to several morphological and functional changes in the individuals’ body  that directly reflects on their functional independence. This affects both maintaining the ability to perform Basic Activities of Daily Living and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. The present study aimed to verify the level of functional independence in adults and the elderly attended by a Family Health Strategy in Teixeira de Freitas-BA. It is an observational study of transverse and descriptive design  composed of 30 participants who answered a semi-structured questionnaire and socioeconomic Functional Independence Measure instrument (MIF). Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation among the variables. Through MIF it was possible to identify a total of 123.1 ± 4.47 points for the participants, which indicates complete independence in performing routine tasks. The memory factor was the component that scored lower, followed by problem resolution. A strong correlation (r = 0.71) was found between the total MIF score and the social cognition factor. Therefore, one notices the need for investments in appropriate professionals as well as improvement in public health policies in order to active and healthy aging. Keywords: Health Care (Public Health).  Aged. Activities of Daily Living. ResumoO envelhecimento está relacionado à diversas alterações morfológicas e funcionais no organismo dos indivíduos que reflete diretamente na independência funcional destes. Isso afeta tanto na manutenção da habilidade de realizar Atividades Básicas da Vida Diária quanto nas Atividades Instrumentais da Vida Diária. O presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar o nível de independência funcional em adultos e idosos atendidos por uma Estratégia Saúde da Família em Teixeira de Freitas-BA. É um estudo observacional de delineamento transversal e descritivo, foi composto por 30 participantes que responderam a um questionário socioeconômico semiestruturado e o instrumento de Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF). Para as análises foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman para avaliar a correlação existente entre as variáveis. Por meio da MIF foi possível identificar um total de 123,1±4,47 pontos para os participantes, o que indica a independência completa na realização de tarefas de rotina. O fator memória foi o componente que obteve menor pontuação, seguido de resolução de problemas. Constatou-se nesse estudo uma correlação forte (r=0,71) entre a pontuação total da MIF e o fator cognição social. Assim, percebe-se a necessidade de investimentos em profissionais adequados bem como melhoria nas políticas públicas de saúde a fim de promover um envelhecimento ativo e saudável. Palavras-chave: Atenção à Saúde. Idoso. Atividades Cotidianas.