Correlação entre a prática da atividade física e mobilidade funcional em idosos com e sem diabetes do Programa Idoso Feliz Participa Sempre

Abstract

The aging of the Brazilian population has led to an increase in chronic conditions, such as diabetes, higher adiposity, and reduced functional mobility. This study aimed to comparatively analyze mobility and body composition in elderly individuals with and without diabetes, participants in the Happy Elderly Always Participates Program (PIFPS), using bioimpedance measurements, body circumferences, and physical tests such as Handgrip Strength, Sit-to-Stand, Push-ups, and Timed Up and Go (TUG). This is a descriptive, observational, and comparative study with 48 elderly individuals, divided into diabetic and non-diabetic groups, with 24 participants in each group. Statistical analysis included parametric and non-parametric tests, considering a significance level of 5%. Results indicated that the diabetic group presented significantly higher BMI (28.8 ± 3.4 kg/m² vs. 26.8 ± 3.1 kg/m²), visceral fat (12.4 ± 3.8% vs. 10.4 ± 3.1%), and TUG time (6.69 ± 1.0 s vs. 5.84 ± 0.7 s), demonstrating lower functional mobility. Strong correlations between BMI and visceral fat, and negative correlations between muscle mass and functional performance, suggest that higher adiposity and lower muscle mass are associated with reduced functional capacity in the analyzed group. In conclusion, diabetes is associated with decreased functional capacity in older adults, showing negative impacts on body composition and mobility, even in active individuals, highlighting the importance of resistance exercise programs and interventions aimed at improving quality of life.