Abstract Introduction This study aims to assess the influence of different skinfold thicknesses (ST) and their relation to the attenuation of the mechanomyographic (MMG) signal at different force levels (maximal voluntary contraction – MVC, 40% of MVC and 70% of MVC) of the rectus femoris muscle. Methods Fifteen volunteers were divided in two groups: ST lower than 10mm (G<10) (8 participants) and ST higher than 35mm (G>35) (7 participants). Student t tests were employed to investigate differences between G<10 and G>35 regarding MMG analysis parameters (acceleration root mean square – aRMS, zero crossing – ZC, and median frequency – MDF), for the X, Y and Z axes, as well as for the modulus of these three axes. Results We found that thicker layers of body fat act as attenuator filters for the MMG signal [MDFMVC: X (p = 0.005), Z (p = 0.003); MDF70%MVC: X (p = 0.034); ZCMVC: Z (p = 0.037), modulus (p = 0.005); ZC70%MVC: Z (p = 0.047)]. We found significant correlation between ST values and aRMS in three levels, in the Yaxis (p = 0.591), for the group G<10. For the modulus, the aRMS value showed correlation with ST values for group G>35 in 40%MVC (R2 = 0.610), and 70%MVC (R2 = 0.592). The MDF parameter showed correlation with ST values only in the Yaxis in 70%MVC (R2 = 0.700) for G>35. Conclusions We observed MMG signal attenuation in at least one of the parameters analyzed for each level of the rectus femoris muscle force, indicating that MMG signals are significantly attenuated with increasing thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer.

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a aptidão funcional e a qualidade de vida de idosos participantes de uma Universidade Aberta da Maior Idade. A amostra foi composta de 189 idosas e 50 homens idosos, divididos em três faixas etárias (60 a 64 anos, 65 a 69 anos e 70 anos ou mais). A aptidão funcional foi avaliada através do Sênior Fitness Test e a qualidade de vida através do questionário WHOQOL-OLD. Para as comparações entre as diferentes faixas etárias e gênero intra e entre os grupos, foi utilizado a análise de variância (ANOVA) seguido pelo teste de post hoc de Turkey, com nível significância de p<0,05. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença no IMC entre os gêneros da UAMI nas diferentes faixas etárias (p>0,05). Os homens idosos acima dos 65 anos tinham sobrepeso e obesidade e nas idosas somente entre 60 a 64 anos. Na aptidão funcional, os idosos da UAMI não apresentaram diferença entre as faixas etárias e gênero na maioria dos testes (p>0,05). Valores abaixo da média na maioria dos testes da aptidão funcional foram mostrados nos idosos da UAMI comparado aos idosos americanos nas diferentes faixas etárias e gênero. O escore de 66,16% mostrou que a amostra de idosos estavam satisfeitos com a qualidade de vida geral. Em conclusão, a aptidão funcional dos idosos da UAMI está abaixo da média e estão satisfeitos com a qualidade de vida geral.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical fitness and quality of life of elderly attending a University of the Third Age (UTA). The sample was composed of 189 elderly women and 50 elderly men, divided into three age ranges (60 to 64 years, 65-69 years and 70 or older). Physical fitness was evaluated by Senior Fitness Test and quality of life by WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire. For intragroup and intergroup comparisons between different age ranges and gender was used analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey post hoc test for multiple comparisons, with significance level of p<0.05. Results showed that there was no difference in BMI between gender in different age ranges of elderly from UTA (p>0.05). Nevertheless, elderly men of 65 years or more were with overweight and obesity, and elderly women only between 60 to 64 years. In the physical fitness, elderly man did not showed differences between age ranges and gender in most test (p>0.05). Were presented values below average in most physical fitness tests of elderly from UTA compare to American elderly in different age ranges and gender. The score of 66.16% showed that the samples of elderly were satisfied with the overall quality of life. In conclusion, physical fitness of elderly that attending a University of the Third Age are below average and the elderly are satisfied with the quality of life.