Revista Ciências em Saúde (Mar 2022)

The reduction in grip strength is associated with a decrease in the distance covered in the 6MWT in elderly people residing in a long-stay institution

  • Jéssica de Paula Reis,
  • Mateus Martinelli da Silva,
  • Raíssa Olegário Aguiar Pavesi,
  • Alessandra Paiva de Castro Vidal,
  • Fernanda Moura Vargas Dias

DOI
https://doi.org/10.21876/rcshci.v12i1.1209
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 1

Abstract

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Objective: To evaluate the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS), anthropometric parameters, perception of fatigue, and the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWD) in elderly people living in a long-stay institution (ILPI). Methods: Elderly people (n = 17; 77 ± 7 years) of both sexes, living in an LTCF in Espírito Santo, Brazil, participated in the study. Volunteers were evaluated using the 6-min walk test (6MWT), HGS, and Chalder's Fatigue Scale (EFC). Results: The means of the 6MWD (276 ± 81.6 m) and HGS (19.4 ± 10.5 Kg/f) of the elderly were below the predicted values. The 6MWD showed a moderate positive correlation with HGS (right r = 0.6; p = 0.008; left r = 0.5; p = 0.03) and with apex expansion (r = 0.5; p = 0.03), as well as a negative correlation with the body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.6; p = 0.01). Conclusion: In the environment of an ILPI, where there is a high prevalence of functional limitations and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the elderly, comprehensive health care is a complex challenge. Thus, knowledge of these associations can highlight the importance of ensuring strategies to mitigate muscle weakness and immobility.

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