Objective:To investigate the association between handgrip strength (HS) and physical activity in physical frailty elderly. Method: Cross-sectional quantitative study with a sample of 203 elderly calculated based on the population estimated proportion. Tests were applied to detect cognitive impairment and assessment of physical frailty. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis by binary logistic regression were used, and also Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 99 (64.3%) elderly showed decreased handgrip strength and 90 (58.4%) elderly presented decrease in physical activity levels. There was a statistically significant difference between these two components (p=0.019), in which elderly who have decreased HS have lower levels of physical activity. For low levels of physical activity and decreased HS, there was no evidence of significant difference in the probability of the classification as frail elderly (p<0.001). Conclusion: The components handgrip strength and physical activity are associated with the frail elderly. The joint presence of low levels of physical activity and decreased handgrip strength leads to a significantly higher probability of the elderly to be categorized as frailty.

Objective:investigating the association between frailty syndrome and sociodemographic characteristics in long-lived individuals of a community. Method:a cross-sectional study with a proportional stratified sample consisting of 243 long-lived individuals. A structured instrument, scales and tests that comprise evaluating frailty were applied for data collection. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed by logistic regression (p<0.05) by Statistica 10(r) software and Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) were calculated for the predictive models. Results:of the 243 long-lived individuals evaluated, 36 (14.8%) were frail, 55 (63.8%) were pre-frail and 52 (21.4%) were not frail. A predominance of females (n=161; 66.3%), widows/widowers (n=158; 65%), who lived with family members (n=144; 59.3%) and in a self-reported satisfactory financial situation (n=108; 44.5%) was observed. A significant association was found between the demographic variable of age (p=0.043) and frailty syndrome. The best predictor model for the syndrome included the variables: gender, age and household companion. Conclusion:the variable of age contributed most to the fragilization process of long-lived individuals residing in the community. It is essential that gerontological nursing care contemplates early detection of this syndrome, considering age as being indicative of care needs.

Objective:to present a physical frailty prediction model for oldest old users of primary health care, according to clinical variables. Method:cross-sectional study with proportional stratified sample of 243 oldest old subjects. Data were collected through a structured clinical questionnaire, handgrip strength test, walking speed, weight loss, fatigue/exhaustion, and physical activity level. For the analysis of the data, univariate and multivariate analysis by logistic regression were used (p<0.05), which resulted in prediction models. The odds ratios (95% Confidence Interval) of the models were calculated. Each model was evaluated by deviance analysis, likelihood ratios, specificity and sensitivity, considering the most adequate. All ethical and legal precepts were followed. Results:the prediction model elected was composed of metabolic diseases, dyslipidemias and hospitalization in the last 12 months. Conclusion:clinical variables interfere in the development of the physical frailty syndrome in oldest old users of basic health unit. The choice of a physical frailty regression model is the first step in the elaboration of clinical methods to evaluate the oldest old in primary care.

Objective: To investigate pre-frailty and factors associated with this condition, considering the levels of physical activity of the elderly. Methods: Cross-sectional quantitative study. The sample was calculated based on the estimated population proportion and comprised 195 older adults receiving care at a Basic Health Unit. Data were collected by means of a sociodemographic/clinical profile questionnaire and a second questionnaire regarding physical activity. Results: Among the 195 subjects participating in the study, 73 had a decreased level of physical activity and were classified as being in a condition of pre-frailty for this component. Conclusion: Pre-frailty for physical activity presented a moderate prevalence and was associated with the age range and the use of medication, such as antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory drugs. ResumoObjetivo: Investigar a pré-fragilidade e os fatores associados a essa condição, considerando o nível de atividade física dos idosos. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo transversal. A amostra foi calculada com base na estimativa da proporção populacional e constituída por 195 idosos usuários de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Os dados foram coletados mediante questionário sociodemográfico/clínico e nível de atividade física. Resultados: Dos 195 sujeitos participantes da pesquisa, 73 possuíam diminuição do nível de atividade física, sendo classificados em condição de pré-fragilidade para esse componente. Conclusão: A pré-fragilidade para atividade física possui moderada prevalência e associou-se à faixa etária e ao uso de medicamentos, entre eles anti-hipertensivos e anti-inflamatórios.

Factors associated with loss of handgrip strength in long-lived elderly RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar la prevalencia de la reducción de la fuerza de agarre manual y los factores asociados en ancianos longevos, usuarios de la atención básica a la salud. Método: Estudio cuantitativo transversal, cuyos datos fueron recogidos en el período de enero a diciembre de 2013, por medio de pruebas y aplicación de cuestionarios. La muestra por conveniencia comprendió a 157 ancianos. Resultados: Señalan que la reducción de la fuerza de agarre manual tiene prevalencia moderada (25,5%), con predominio del sexo femenino (19,1%), del rango de edad de 80 a 89 años (18,5%) y baja escolaridad (15,9%). La asociación entre la disminución de la fuerza de agarre manual y las variables de edad e índice de masa corpórea mostró significación estadística. Conclusión: Las investigaciones acerca del componente de la fuerza de agarre manual son fundamentales para la identificación de las condiciones clínicas de los ancianos longevos brasileños y contribuyen para la construcción de planes dirigidos a la gestión de la fragilidad. DESCRIPTORES Anciano frágil Fuerza de la mano Enfermería geriátrica Salud del anciano RESUMOObjetivo: Investigar a prevalência da redução da força de preensão manual e fatores associados em idosos longevos, usuários da atenção básica de saúde. Método: Estudo quantitativo transversal, cujos dados foram coletados no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2013, por meio de testes e aplicação de questionários. A amostra por conveniência compreendeu 157 idosos. Resultados: Apontam que a redução da força de preensão manual possui prevalên-cia moderada (25,5%), com predomínio do sexo feminino (19,1%), da faixa etária de 80 a 89 anos (18,5%) e baixa escolaridade (15,9%). A associação entre diminuição da força de preensão manual e as variáveis idade e índice de massa corpórea mostrou significância estatística. Conclusão: As investigações sobre o componente da força de preensão manual são fundamentais para a identificação das condições clínicas dos idosos longevos brasileiros e contribuem para a construção de planos voltados para a gestão da fragilidade. DESCRITORES Idoso fragilizado Força da mão Enfermagem geriátrica Saúde do idoso ABSTRACTObjective: To investigate the prevalence of reduced grip strength and associated factors in long-lived elderly, who are users of primary health care. Method: Cross-sectional quantitative study, data were collected during the period of January to December of 2013, by applying tests and questionnaires. The convenience sampling was comprised of 157 seniors. Results: The findings indicate that the reduction in grip strength presents a moderate prevalence (25.5%), predominantly among females (19.1%), in the age group of 80-89 years (18.5%) and in those with lower educational levels (15.9%). The association between reduced grip strength and the variables of age and body mass index showed a statistical significance. Conclusion: Investigations about the handgrip strength are essential for identifying clinica...