Factors associated with impaired functional performance in elderly women in primary health care

Abstract

Objective: To identify the factors associated with functional performance, as well as to compare anthropometric, metabolic and inflammatory parameters according to the functional performance of elderly women in primary health care. Method: Two hundred and four elderly women (68.36 ±6.18 years) took part. Functional performance was considered impaired when the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test result was >12.47 seconds. Results: 116 elderly women had impaired functional performance (56.86%). They were older, had higher BMI, WC, WHtR, %BF and IL-6, worse cognitive performance and lower muscle strength (MS). Initially, age >70 years, FM <20Kg, WHtR ≥57cm, and IL-6 ≥18pg/mL were associated with impaired functional performance (OR=1.977; 95%CI=1.095-3.570; OR=2.935; 95%CI=2.663-5.274; OR=2.455; 95%CI=1.093-5.511; OR=2.663; 95%CI=1.503-4.718). In the logistic regression, IL-6 ≥18pg/mL and FM<20Kg remained associated with impaired functional performance (OR=2.540; 95%CI=1.383-4.665; OR=2.479; 95%CI=1.341-4.582). Conclusion: FM and inflammatory parameters should be considered in the context of the functional performance of elderly women in primary health care.