Older Adults With Metabolic Syndrome Present Lower Ankle-Brachial Index and Worse Functional Performance. Issue 1 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heubel, Alessandro Domingues; Marques, Terezinha Sasaki; Pessoa-Santos, Bruna Varanda; Gimenes, Camila; Arca, Eduardo Aguilar; Martinelli, Bruno; Barrile, Silvia Regina
• Is Part Of: Topics in geriatric rehabilitation. Volume 34:Issue 1(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: aged -- ankle-brachial index -- metabolic syndrome X -- physical fitness; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Older people -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 618.9703
• DOI: 10.1097/TGR.0000000000000175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0882-7524

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent condition in the elderly and it is associated with a high risk of systemic atherosclerosis. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is used to identify atherosclerotic obstructions in lower limbs, which might be associated with a decreased functional capacity due to blood flow limitation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether older adults with MetS present alterations in ABI values and whether these alterations are associated with impairments in functional performance. Design: Cross-sectional clinical study with a convenience sample. Methods: Older adults (>60 years) of both genders were divided into two groups: Control group (CG, n = 34)—patients without MetS, and MetS group (MetSG, n = 32)—patients with MetS. Both groups were subjected to the following evaluations: (1) ABI (Doppler method) and (2) 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Intergroup comparison was performed using the t test and the Mann-Whitney U test. The association between the ABI and the distance walked in the 6MWT was calculated by the Pearson correlation test. In all analyses, P < .05 was considered as significant. Results: When compared with CG, the MetSG group showed lower ABI ( P = .007) and lower distance walked in 6MWT ( P = .000). In the MetSG, a positive correlation was observed ( r = 0.460; P = .008) between ABI values and the distance walked in 6MWT. Conclusion: Older adults with MetS present lower ABI, a measure considered a predictor for peripheral arterial obstructive processes. This result is associated with a poor functional performance, which can be due to a circulatory deficit in the lower limbs.