title: Lack of association of body composition and functionality variables with metabolic syndrome in the elderly.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aging process causes alterations in body composition (decrease in lean mass and increase in fat mass), diminution of functionality (strength, mobility, and physical performance), and an increased prevalence of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of body composition and functionality with metabolic syndrome in the elderly.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Clinic of the Geriatric Service of Hospital São Lucas of Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) involving 74 patients (14 males and 60 females). The patients were separated into two groups: Group 1=elderly with metabolic syndrome [through the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NECP ATP III) criteria; n=34], group 2=elderly without metabolic syndrome (n=40). The variables evaluated included age, gender, body composition (circumferences, skinfold thickness, BMI, muscle and fat thickness and muscle mass), functional variables [hand grip strength, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and Sit-to-Stand Test].
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that elderly individuals with metabolic syndrome had a higher mean of the anthropometric measures (except abdominal skinfold thickness) compared to subjects without metabolic syndrome (P<0.005). We observed significant differences for muscle mass index (higher, P=0.029), TUGT (longer time, P=0.008), and hand grip strength (lower, P=0.015) in elderly with metabolic syndrome compared with subjects without metabolic syndrome. However, when these variables were adjusted for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI), none showed a significant association with metabolic syndrome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We did not observe associations among metabolic syndrome, body composition, and functionality variables.
authors.affiliation: 1 Graduate Program of Biomedical Gerontology, Geriatric and Gerontology Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul , Porto Alegre, Brazil .
authors.forename: Maria Gabriela Valle
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Gottlieb
authors.forename: Vera Elizabeth
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Closs
authors.forename: Laura Schlatter
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Rosemberg
authors.forename: Cristiane Alves
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.forename: Rafael Reimann
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Baptista
authors.forename: Graziela Morgana Silva
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Tavares
authors.forename: Irenio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Rodolfo Herberto
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Carla Helena Augustin
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Schwanke
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D009043:Motor Activity; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors