Nutritional evaluation in active and institutionalized elderly subjects using bioimpedance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional assessment using bioimpedance in active and institutionalized elderly over 60 years. We evaluated individuals from a long-term institution and physically active individuals from a city in the interior of São Paulo. Descriptive and statistical analysis were performed. Unpaired Student's t-test was applied considering 5% significance using GraphPad Prism software. The active group had a higher prevalence of women (73.40%), high calf circumference levels (37.21 ± 3.16) and fat percentage (37.47 ± 4.91). Most elderly in both groups (53.30%) were classified as normal weight by the Body Mass Index (BMI). The active group was not at risk of developing sarcopenia, so the practice of regular exercise generates numerous benefits for the senile population, such as improved quality of life, health promotion and assistance in preventing pathologies.