Functional Capacity of Oldest Old Living in a Long-stay Institution in Rio De
Janeiro,Brazil |
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Authors: | Fabiano Moura Dias Susana Ortiz Costa Jeter Pereira de Freitas Adriana da Costa Rocha Pinto Patrícia dos Santos Vigário Míriam Raquel Meira Mainenti |
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Institution: | 1) Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM), Brazil;2) São Camilo University Center, Brazil |
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Abstract: | Purpose] A significant increase in the number of oldest old has occurred worldwide. The
aim of this study was to characterize the functional capacity of the oldest old residents
in a long-stay institution in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Subjects and Methods] All
participants were evaluated according to the following metrics: anthropometry, body
composition (bioelectrical impedance), handgrip strength, balance (Berg scale and
stabilometry), ankle mobility (electrogoniometry), physical capacity (six-minute walk
test), quality of life (WHOQOL-OLD), and dietary habits (questionnaire). Results] Twenty
elderly subjects with a mean age of 85.75 ± 5.22 years and a mean fat percentage of 39.02
± 5.49% participated in the study. The group at risk of falls (n = 8) had a lower handgrip
strength and walked a shorter distance over the course of six minutes compared with the
group not at risk of falls. The obese group (n = 15) had higher values for stabilometric
variables than the nonobese group. There was a positive and significant correlation
between ankle joint mobility and physical capacity (r = 0.47). Conclusion] High values
for obesity and low values for handgrip strength and physical capacity were associated
with worse body balance. Low values for ankle mobility were also associated with worse
physical capacity in this population.Key words: Elderly, Functional capacity, Institutionalization |
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