Associations between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Timed Up and Go Test for Elderly Participants in Public Physical Activity Programs

Variables such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist/height ratio (WHtR) are used to assess cardiovascular risks associated with abdominal obesity. The Timed Up and Go (TTUG) test assesses mobility and the risk of falls, especially in the elderly and individuals with physical limitations. The objective was to correlate anthropometric indicators of cardiovascular risk (BMI, WC, WHtR) with performance on the TTUG test in elderly people who practice physical activity.

Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study, CAAE: 27116319.1.0000.8044. Active elderly participants in a public physical exercise program "Project 60 Up", promoted by the Municipal Secretariat for the Elderly of the City of Niterói, RJ, Brazil, were evaluated. Elderly people of both sexes, with independent locomotion and preserved cognitive status, were included and those with visual, hearing, severe mobility difficulties or neurological sequelae and imbalances were excluded. Anthropometric data were collected: BMI, WC, WHtR, and the TTUG test was performed.

Results: In the sample composed of 55 elderly people of both sexes, with an average age of 68 years, the means of the variables were: body weight (67.8 ± 12.7 kg), height (157.2 ± 8.4 cm), TTUG (10.3 ± 2 s), WC (93.3 ± 10.9 cm), WHtR (0.59), and BMI (27.4 ± 4.4). The correlations were between TTUG and age (r = -0.24, p = 0.69), TTUG and BMI (r = 0.111, p = 0.426), and WC and WHtR (r = 0.885, p < 0.000). Weak correlations were observed between TTUG and BMI and WC and WHtR, indicating that factors other than BMI and abdominal fat accumulation may have a greater influence on performance on the TTUG test. In this specific context of elderly people participating in a physical activity program, the results found may have been shaped by the very nature of the interventions carried out in the program, with factors such as muscular strength, flexibility and balance preserved and acquired through the practice of regular physical exercise. Despite the benefits of physical activity, managing weight and abdominal fat remains challenging for elderly individuals with high anthropometric measurements.

Conclusions: Although many elderly people have anthropometric measurements above average levels, the results indicate that no negative influence on their performance on the TTUG was observed. However, the limitation of the sample size and the underrepresentation of elderly people ≥ 80 years and of men highlight the need for future studies with larger and more balanced samples to confirm these results.