Abstract Aim: This study aims to evaluate the additional acute effect of virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMD) when associated with balance exercises in balance outcomes in non-disabled individuals. Methods: Thirty individuals were randomized into two groups: balance exercise group (GBE; n = 15); and virtual reality + balance exercise group (GVR + BE; n = 15). The individuals were evaluated by static and dynamic balance using the tandem test (TT), single-leg stance (SLS), and Fukuda stepping test (FST). Both groups performed 30 min of balance exercises. The GVR + BE performed 8 additional minutes of virtual reality prior to balance exercises. A roller coaster application was used for the HMD. The Mann-Whitney test was used for intra-group and differences of inter-group analysis, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: In the GBE group analysis, there was observed an increase of time in TT with closed eyes (p = 0.025) and SLS with closed eyes (p = 0.003). In the same way, the GVR + BE group increase TT with closed eyes (p = 0.003) and SLS with closed eyes (p = 0.002) after the intervention. In the intergroup analysis, the increase in the SLS with closed eyes was superior in the GVR + BE group when compared with GBE (p = 0.006; d = 1.67). Conclusion: The use of HMD in combination with balance exercise has an acute effect on increasing static balance in non-disabled individuals.

Resumo Introdução A longevidade pode ser acompanhada de diversos fatores que interferem negativamente na qualidade de vida (QV) dos idosos e torna-se necessário investigar quais são estes fatores na zona rural. Objetivo Identificar os fatores associados à QV de idosos octogenários da zona rural de Uberaba-MG. Método Estudo transversal com 74 idosos octogenários residentes na zona rural que foram avaliados quanto ao perfil sociodemográfico, número de morbidades, qualidade de vida e funcionalidade. A análise dos dados foi conduzida por meio dos testes t-Student, correlação de Pearson e a Regressão linear múltipla (p < 0,05). Resultados No domínio físico da QV, os menores escores relacionaram-se ao maior número de morbidades e de incapacidade funcional nas atividades instrumentais de vida diária. Conclusão Os menores escores de QV em idosos octogenários da zona rural de Uberaba-MG estão associados ao maior número de morbidades e de incapacidade funcional.

Abstract Background The longevity can be followed by several factors that interfere negatively in the life quality (LQ) of the elderly, for this reason it is necessary to investigate which are these factors in the rural area. Objective To identify the factors associated with QoL of octogenarian elderly in the rural area of Uberaba-MG. Method A cross-sectional study with 74 octogenarian elderly living in the rural area was carried out. The sociodemographic profile, number of morbidities, quality of life and functionality were evaluated. Data analysis was performed using Student's t-tests, Pearson's correlation and Multiple linear regression (p <0.05). Results In the physical domain of LQ, the lowest scores were related to the greater number of morbidities and functional inability in the instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusion The lower LQ scores in the octogenarian elderly in the rural area of Uberaba-MG are associated with greater morbidity and functional disability.

Objetivos Identificar a condição tabágica dos idosos e verificar os fatores sociodemográficos e econômicos associados ao hábito de fumar nessa população. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal, observacional e analítico, com 980 idosos da zona urbana do município de Uberaba-MG. Utilizaram-se os instrumentos Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e Questionário Brasileiro de Avaliação Funcional e Multidimensional (BOMFAQ). Os idosos foram classificados como tabagistas, ex-tabagistas e não tabagistas de acordo com as Diretrizes para Cessação do Tabagismo. As análises procederam por meio do software SPSS-17. A condição tabágica dos idosos foi descrita por meio de frequências simples e absolutas. Aplicou-se o teste Cramer’s V (p ≤ 0,05) na análise bivariada e em seguida a Regressão Logística Multinomial Múltipla (p ≤ 0,05) ajustados para sexo e faixa etária de acordo com a classificação tabágica. Resultados Encontraram-se 122 (12,4%) idosos tabagistas, 320 (32,7%) ex-tabagistas e 538 (54,9%) não tabagistas. Os idosos tabagistas apresentaram-se com 3,57, 2,36 e 1,82 mais riscos de chances de ser do sexo masculino (p < 0,001), estar na faixa etária de 60 a 69 anos (p = 0,004) e não ter companheiro(a) (p = 0,008), respectivamente. Para os idosos ex-tabagistas, também foi encontrada maior chance de risco (5,34) para o sexo masculino (p < 0,001). Conclusão Os resultados evidenciam que o sexo, a faixa etária e a situação conjugal são fatores associados ao tabagismo na população idosa.

Objectives To identify smoking status of elderly and to assess socio-demographic and economic factors associated with them. Methods This is a quantitative, transversal, observational and analytical study with 980 elderly living in the urban area of the municipality of Uberaba (MG) – Brazil. The Mini Mental State Examination and the Brazilian Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire were used. The elderly were classified as smokers, ex-smokers and nonsmokers according to the Guidelines for Smoking Cessation. The statistical analysis were performed with SPSS-17 software. The smoking status of the elderly was described by means of simple and absolute frequencies. We employed the Cramer’s V (p ≤ 0.05) in the bivariate analyses and then test the Multiple Multinomial Logistic Regression (p ≤ 0.05) adjusted for sex and age according to smoking classification. Results We found 122 (12.4%) smokers, 320 (32.7%) ex-smokers, and 538 (54.9%) nonsmokers. The elderly smokers presented with 3.57, 2.36 and 1.82 greater chances of being male (p < 0.001), aged 60-69 years (p = 0.004) and single, divorced or widowed (p = 0.008), respectively. Elderly ex-smokers were also more likely (5.34) to be male (p < 0.001). Conclusion The results showed that sex, age and marital status are associated with smoking in the elderly population.