Decreased functional capacity and muscle strength in elderly women with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

PurposeTo compare the metabolic parameters, flexibility, muscle strength, functional capacity, and lower limb muscle power of elderly women with and without the metabolic syndrome (MetS).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 28 older women divided into two groups: with the MetS (n = 14; 67.3 ± 5.5 years; 67.5 ± 16.7 kg; 1.45 ± 0.35 m; 28.0 ± 7.6 kg/m2), and without the MetS (n = 14; 68.7 ± 5.3 years; 58.2 ± 9.9 kg; 1.55 ± 0.10 m; 24.3 ± 3.8 kg/m2). Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and dynamic muscle strength was assessed by one-maximum repetition (1RM) tests in leg press, bench press and biceps curl exercises. Six-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go (TUG); 30-second sitting-rising; arm curl using a 2-kg dumbbell, sit-and-reach (flexibility), and vertical jump tests were performed.ResultsThere was no difference between groups regarding age (P = 0.49), height (P = 0.46), body fat (%) (P = 0.19), systolic (P = 0.64), diastolic (P = 0.41) and mean blood pressure (P = 0.86), 30-second sitting-rising (P = 0.57), 30-s arm curl (P = 0.73), leg press 1RM (P = 0.51), bench press 1RM (P = 0.77), and biceps curl 1RM (P = 0.85). However, women without the MetS presented lower body mass (P = 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.0001), waist circumference (P = 0.02), waist-to-height ratio (P = 0.02), fat body mass (kg) (P = 0.05), lean body mass (kg) (P = 0.02), blood glucose (P = 0.05), triglycerides (P = 0.03), Z-score for the MetS (P = 0.05), higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.002), better performance on TUG (P = 0.01), flexibility (P = 0.03), six-minute walk test (P = 0.04), vertical jump (P = 0.05) and relative muscle strength for leg press (P = 0.03), bench press (P = 0.04) and biceps curl (P = 0.002) exercises as compared to women with the MetS.ConclusionElderly women with the MetS have higher metabolic risk profile and lower functional capacity, muscle strength, lower limb power and flexibility as compared to women without the MetS. The evaluation of functional capacity may help to determine the degree of physical decline in older persons with the MetS, while exercise interventions should be encouraged.

Reduced Flexibility Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Community-Dwelling Elders

“…Metabolic syndrome leads to a pro-inflammatory state and pro-inflammatory cytokine release from adipose tissues may potentiate skeletal muscle catabolism [ 34 ]. An association between metabolic syndrome and lower body muscle strength has been reported in several similar studies investigating adult participants with a wide age range [ 6 – 8 , 10 ]. In a previously reported case-control study, the univariate analysis indicated that elderly women with metabolic syndrome had reduced relative muscle strength in their lower extremities [ 10 ].…”

“…The maximal grip force of the dominant hand was measured to represent upper extremity muscular strength using an analog isometric dynamometer (Baseline hydraulic hand dynamometer, Fabrication Enterprises Inc., Irvington, NY, USA)–the highest value of three attempts was used for analysis [ 17 ]. Lower extremity muscular endurance was evaluated using a sit-to-stand test (participants were asked to stand and sit repeatedly for 30 seconds [with their arms folded across their chests]; the number of repetitions was recorded) [ 10 , 18 ]. The above mentioned equipment and protocol were shown to have good test-retest strength reliability according to a previous study [ 19 ].…”

“…Previous research has demonstrated that patients with metabolic syndrome also report lower levels of physical activity, poorer cardiorespiratory endurance, and decreased muscular strength; however, significant variation existed between groups based on gender, age, and social economic backgrounds [ 6 – 8 ]. In elderly populations with metabolic syndrome, lower functional capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility have been reported [ 8 – 10 ]; whereas, other studies reported a lack of association between functionality variables and metabolic syndrome in the elderly [ 11 ]. Regarding similar studies using a large sample, Jurca et al recruited 8570 participants with ages ranging from 20 to 75 years, and found a negative association between leg strength and prevalence of metabolic syndrome, even after adjustment for cardiorespiratory fitness [ 6 ].…”

Whole Body Vibration Exercises and the Improvement of the Flexibility in Patient with Metabolic Syndrome

“…In addition, Leite Vieira et al [24] have reported in an investigation that elderly women with the metabolic syndrome have higher metabolic risk profile and lower functional capacity, muscle strength, lower limb power, and flexibility as compared to women without the metabolic syndrome.…”

Effects of a Rehabilitation Nursing Program on the Functional Fitness of Institutionalized Elderly

“…The decline in physical abilities with age often represents the early stage of a process which, associated with sedentarism, institutionalization or comorbidities, leads to dependence and other adverse health outcomes (Vieira et al, 2013).…”