Frailty syndrome in Brazilian older people: a population based study

This article aims to categorize elderly non-frail (NF), pre-frail (PF) and frail (FF) as to fast and slow gait speed. Compare NF, PF and FF, and analyze associations between fast or slow gait speed with clinical, functional and mental factors. 5,501 elderly (65 years or over; to the Frailty in Brazilian Older People Study), classified as NF, PF and FF (Fried ´s frailty phenotype) and, in relation to fast gait speed ( ≥ 0.8m/s) and slow (< 0.8m/s). Age, sex, body mass index, muscular strength, advanced, instrumental and basic activities of daily living, falls, fear of falling and depressive symptoms were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis investigated associations between variables. The proportion of the slow elderly increased with fragility (NF = 12.39%, PF = 37.56%, FF = 88.83%, p< 0.01). Be woman, performance in activities of daily living, muscle strength and fall were associated with fragility syndrome. The association between frailty and adverse health outcomes reinforces its primacy as an indicator of the functional health of the elderly. Functional capacity, muscular strength, and falls should be evaluated considering their potential for reversibility.Resumo O artigo tem por objetivos categorizar idosos n ão frágeis (NF), pré-frágeis (PF) e frágeis (FF) quanto à velocidade rápida e lenta de marcha. Compara NF, PF e FF, e analisa associações entre velocidade de marcha rápida e lenta com fatores clínicos, funcionais e mentais. 5.501 idosos (65 an...
Source: Ciencia e Saude Coletiva - Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research