Similar functional capacity and handgrip strength of trained elderly women with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study.

Background: This study compares the functional capacity and handgrip strength of older women with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D) who practiced physical exercises.

Methods: Twenty-six older women who practiced physical exercises participated in the study (13 with T2D - DM; 13 without T2D - CON). Functional capacity and handgrip strength were assessed.

Association between participation in community groups and being more physically active among older adults from Florianópolis, Brazil.

Objective: In Brazil, older adults frequently participate in community groups. However, the influence of this participation on physical activity levels has not been fully investigated. It is known that both regular physical activity and social support are beneficial for health.

[The influence of physical exercise on depressive symptoms and functional fitness in elderly residents of south Brazil].

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of physical exercise on depressive symptoms and functional fitness in a sample of elderly people enrolled in a physical exercise program run by public sector Health Centers in Florianópolis, Brazil.

Methods: The sample comprised a total of 118 elderly people (101 women and 17 men), who had been receiving treatment for up to 1 year and 4 months and were assessed at predefined intervals, up to a maximum of five times. Evaluations were carried out using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15); International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the physical test battery proposed by AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance).