Mobilidade com dupla tarefa e qualidade de vida em idosos atendidos na atenção básica em saúde

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The age-related decline in the neuromuscular system reflects in loss of mass, decrease in muscle strength and in the quality of neuromuscular integration, negatively affecting the ability to walk and perform concomitant activities. The ability to do dual tasks is an essential skill for the performance of daily activities independently, which is the main determinant of quality of life in old age. The knowledge about the factors associated with functional capacity for dual tasks and its influence on the quality of life of older adults may indicate actions to be adopted by health teams in order to promote healthy aging. OBJECTIVES: 1) Identify the factors associated with low functional capacity for dual task among older adults attending primary health care; 2) To investigate social inequalities in the relationships between indicators of functional capacity and quality of life among older adults attending primary health care. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that analyzed data obtained in the first wave of a longitudinal study designed to investigate the determinants of functioning decline among older adults attending primary health care in Uberaba city, Minas Gerais. The study was conducted in 2019, in three Matrix Health Units (UMS) drawn in the three health districts of the city. The sample consisted of 201 participants aged 60 years or older, interviewed at the health unit. Dual-task mobility was assessed by the Timed up and Go test (TUGT) and quality of life was assessed by the WHOQOL short version. Cognitive status, depressive symptoms, morbidities, environmental barriers, social support and sociodemographic aspects were evaluated. The Research Project was approved by Ehtics Comission and supported by FAPEMIG (APQ-03367-18). RESULTS: The dissertation consists of two articles, in accordance with the above mentioned objectives. The factors associated with mobility with dual motor tasks were low handgrip strength (β: -0.198), low lower limb muscle strength (β: 0.522) and having osteoporosis (β: -2.218); and, for cognitive dual task, the factors associated were low lower limb muscle strength (β: 0.546), low handgrip strength (β: -0.265) and having joint disease (β: -2.272). There are social inequalities in the relationship between indicators of functional capacity and quality of life. Among women and those with insufficient income, low functional capacity can have a greater impacton quality of life. CONCLUSION: Lower and upper limb strength, osteoporosis and joint diseases are related to low functional capacity in dual tasks, whose impact on quality of life is more pronounced in older females with insufficient income.