Total energy expenditure and functional capacity in older adults

Abstract

The population of Latin America (LA) is aging more rapidly than population of developed countries. The practice of physical activity stands out among the factors related to longevity of older people. Total energy expenditure in free living conditions, regardless of specific activities, has been strongly associated with low risk of mortality in healthy older people. Furthermore, good performances in functionality tests are good prognostic markers. However, it is still not clear what is the association between total energy expenditure and performance in functional tests and habitual physical activity, and which of these are best markers associated with energy expenditure. This study aims to evaluate, using highly accurate and precise methods, these associations. This is a cross-sectional study, which will be conducted in three centers (USP-RP, UFRGS, UFC) in Brazil. The exclusion criteria will be older people with cancer, chronic disease not controlled, weight loss greater than 3 kg in the last three months, cognitive impairment and / or using orthotics and orthopedic prostheses. The participants, 60 subjects, will be recruited at the health services linked to the participating institutions, and we will assess socio-demographic, anthropometric and clinical characteristics (using a structured questionnaire) as well as physical, functional assessment and quality of life using the WHOQOL-old Portuguese version. The participants will also be examined by absorptiometry dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition and sarcopenia. Total energy expenditure (TEE) will be assessed by the doubly labeled water method and pattern of physical activity will be verified by an activity monitor, fixed to the thigh of the participants for 7 consecutive days. This project will contribute to the understanding of energy expenditure association in relation to fat free mass (FFM) and the loss of functionality in the older people. (AU)