Abstract Aim: To determine the somatotype profile and level of physical activity in older adults. Methods: Seventy-two older adults were divided into two groups: frail (F = 33) and non-frail (NF = 39). Frailty status was determined using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), somatotype using the Heath and Carter method, and physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Somatotype analysis showed a predominance of endomorphy (F = 6.54 ± 1.65 vs NF = 6.12 ± 2.07 p ≤ 0.350) followed by mesomorphy (F = 3.44 ± 1.62 vs NF = 3.15 ± 2.19, p ≤ 0.531) and ectomorphy (F = 0.82 ± 0.99 vs NF = 0.95 ± 0.86 p ≤ 0.163), but no significant differences were observed between groups. Regarding PA, twenty-eight participants (84.7%) of the F group were classified as sedentary and insufficiently active and twenty-one (53.8%) of NF were classified as active and very active. This difference in PA explains the higher total energy expenditure found in NF (median 1,087.43; IAQ = 3,954.30) when compared to F (median = 0.0; IAQ = 462.64 p ≤ 0.001). The frailty group presented a higher endomorphic component as well as lower levels of physical activity and energy expenditure. Conclusion: Endomorphy was the predominant somatotype in F and NF older adults, followed by mesomorphy and actomorphy this profile can affect activities of daily living, functional capacity, and independent living and be associated with chronic diseases.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar os efeitos de um programa de exercício físico remoto realizado em ambiente domiciliar na capacidade funcional e percepção de solidão de idosos socialmente isolados, devido a pandemia da covid-19. Método Vinte e nove (29) idosos foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: (1) grupo controle (GC) e grupo de exercício em ambiente domiciliar (GEAD). A força muscular dos membros inferiores, a capacidade funcional e a percepção de solidão foram avaliadas no início (pré-teste), 4 semanas e 8 semanas (pós-teste). As avaliações consistiram no teste de sentar e levantar da cadeira (TSL), teste de velocidade de marcha (TVM), Timed Up and Go (TUG) e teste de percepção de solidão (TPS). Resultados O número de repetições durante o TSL foi estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos (GC vs. GEAD, p=0,006 e entre os momentos (Pré vs. 4S vs. 8S, p=0,043.). No teste de TUG, dentro do GC, o momento pré foi estatisticamente menor em relação ao momento de 8 semanas (p<0,021), indicando maior tempo para completar o TUG (pré 12,0±5,9 s vs. 8W 12,7±6,5 s). Essa mesma comparação não foi estatisticamente diferente dentro do GEAD. Não houve diferenças estatísticas no TVM e TPS entre os grupos e entre os momentos. Conclusão O programa de exercício domiciliar melhorou a capacidade funcional após 8 semanas de treinamento, mas a percepção de solidão e o teste de velocidade de marcha não foram afetados pelo programa de exercícios físico remoto em idosos isolados devido à pandemia de covid-19.

Abstract Objective to determine the effects of a simple home-based exercise program on functional capacity and perceived loneliness of older adults in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Twenty-nine volunteers were randomly divided into two groups: (1) control group (CG); and (2) home-based exercise group (HBEG). Lower limb muscle strength, functional capacity, and perceived loneliness were assessed at baseline (pre-test), 4 weeks, and 8 weeks (post-test) using the Chair Standing Test (CST), Gait Speed Test (GST), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and Perceived Loneliness Scale (PLS). Results The number of repetitions on the CST differed statistically between the groups (CG vs. HBEP, p=0.006) and among timepoints (Pre vs. 4W vs. 8W, p=0.043.). In the CG group, TUG test completion time was statistically lower at baseline than at 8 weeks (p=0.021) (pre 12.0±5.9 s vs. 8W 12.7±6.5 s). There was no statistical difference in TUG time in the HBEG. No statistical differences were found on the GST and PSL between groups or among timepoints. Conclusion The home-based exercise program improved general functional capacity after 8 weeks of training, but perceived loneliness and gait speed were unchanged in the older adults experiencing lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.