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BACKGROUND: Hospitalization episodes in older people are considered critical events because they act in a complex interaction among immobilization effects. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hospitalization on older adults' handgrip strength (HGS) and to identify factors related to its performance on the test. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in a hospital in Natal, Brazil, and enrolled all patients aged 60 years and older between January 2014, and April 2015. Cognitive (Leganés Cognitive Test) and functional status (Katz Index, Lawton Scale and Functional limitation Nagi), physical performance (HGS and gait speed) and depressive symptom assessment (GDS-15) were evaluated at admission and discharge time, as well as information about health and functional status prior to hospitalization. Linear Mixed Models were used to create a predictive model for handgrip strength. RESULTS: A total of 1168 hospitalized older adults were evaluated. A significant decrease in HGS means was observed between admission and discharge time for men (28.12 ± 10.35 and 20.22 ± 14.08 Kgf, p < 0.01) and for women (19.18 ± 7.87 and 14.88 ± 9.79 Kgf, p < 0.01). Undergoing surgery and basal values of the Katz Index were associated with worse HGS performance at discharge. CONCLUSION: A significant decline in handgrip strength during the hospitalization period was observed, which was more pronounced in men. Performing surgery during hospitalization was an important factor for HGS decline in men and women. This study reinforces the importance of early mobilization and muscle strength loss prevention protocols in hospitalized older patients.

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INTRODUCTION: The current COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for populational adherence to measures for the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases. However, their effectiveness depends on the population's preventive behaviour, which may be divergent from public policies. Therefore, this study aims to summarise and evaluate the evidence on barriers and facilitators to populational adherence to prevention and control measures in COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search on MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO for studies focusing on adults receiving protective behaviour recommendations to combat COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases. The searches will be carried out from database's inception to the present. We will include studies that use qualitative methods in their data collection and analysis and studies that use mixed methods if they include any qualitative methods of analysis. Studies published in English, Portuguese and Spanish will be included. Two review authors will independently screen the studies for inclusion and extract data. We will assess the quality of the included studies using the Critical Skills Appraisal Programme tool. For the assessment of the confidence in the synthesised findings, we will use the GRADE-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research. Data analysis will be conducted using the best-fit framework approach based on adapted dimensions from the Health Belief Model and the Behaviour Change Wheel. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will be conducted on published evidence, and thus, no ethical approval is required. The findings of this rapid qualitative evidence synthesis will be disseminated to academic audiences, health policy-makers and the general population. We will publish the results in peer-reviewed journals, present our findings in conferences, and disseminate results via social media. We also aim to present the research findings in plain language and disseminate the knowledge to the general population to increase public interest. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020205750.

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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Older adults face increased risk of loss of functional capacity both before and during hospitalization, so identifying older adults at risk for loss in functional capacity during hospitalization would help researchers and clinicians make informed decisions. This study aims to evaluate functional changes from preadmission (baseline) until discharge of hospitalized older adults and identify predictors of loss in functional capacity. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Natal, Brazil, and enrolled all consecutive patients aged 60 years and older between January 1, 2014, and April 30, 2015. Independent variables included personal characteristics, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (evaluated by the Lawton and Brody scale), cognition (evaluated by the Leganés cognitive test), depression (assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale-15), and in-hospital mobility (evaluated by the Short Physical Performance Battery). The dependent variable functional capacity was assessed by the Katz scale. These instruments were applied at 2 different times: upon admission (within first 24 hours) and at discharge (12-24 hours before). Functional trajectories were defined as the course of functioning from preadmission until discharge using functional capacity data. A multivariate analysis with generalized estimating equation estimated the longitudinal changes in functional capacity. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The final sample consisted of 1191 older adults and 53.9% were less than 70 years of age. Regarding changes in functional capacity, 52.5% of the older adults presented worse functional capacity at discharge than at baseline. Being dependent for IADL instrumental daily living activities, the presence of depressive symptoms, low levels of cognition, and in-hospital mobility were risk factors for greater loss in functional capacity during a hospitalization event. CONCLUSION: Hospitalization events may be catastrophic for functional capacity in older adults in Brazil. Functional, cognitive, and emotional status and in-hospital mobility must be carefully assessed at hospital admission and monitored during hospitalization. Effective strategies for preventing loss in functional capacity in older people must improve in the Brazilian hospital system.

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Frailty at older ages is an adverse health condition that is more prevalent in women than men and the excess prevalence in women cannot be adequately explained by common risk factors. Reproductive history events may be among contributing factors. This study aims to examine associations between age at first childbirth, lifetime parity, and history of hysterectomy with frailty status in community dwelling older women. This is a cross-sectional study of 1047 women participating in the International Mobility in Aging Study at baseline (2012, aged between 65 and 74 years old). Fried's phenotype of frailty was used to identify frail, pre-frail and non-frail groups. Measured reproductive history variables include age at first birth (before 20 years old; 20 years old or older), lifetime parity (0; 1-2 children; 3-4 children; 5 children or more) and hysterectomy (yes/no). We constructed multinomial regression models adjusted for possible confounders to examine the relationships of interest; non frail women were the reference category. Early maternal age (before 20 years-old) was associated with increased risk of frailty (OR 2.15, 95%CI: 1.24-3.72). Compared to women who delivered five or more children, those who had 1-2 children showed significantly lower odds of pre-frail status (OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.36-0.82) and frailty (OR 0.43 95%CI 0.22-0.86). Hysterectomy was independently associated with frailty (OR 1.74 95%CI 1.04-2.89) Age at first birth, parity and hysterectomy are associated to a greater likelihood of frailty in later life. This study reinforces the importance of considering the reproductive characteristics of women as indicators of health status.

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Abstract Introduction Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is highly prevalent in elderly people. This condition is related to vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, poor balance, gait disturbance, and an increase in risk of falls, leading to postural changes and quality of life decreasing. Objective To evaluate the outcomes obtained by clinical trials on the effectiveness of Otolith Repositioning Maneuver and Vestibular Rehabilitation exercises in the treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in elderly. Methods The literature research was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PEDro databases, and included randomized controlled clinical trials in English, Spanish and Portuguese, published during January 2000 to August 2016. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by PEDro score and the outcomes analysis was done by critical revision of content. Results Six studies were fully reviewed. The average age of participants ranged between 67.2 and 74.5 years. The articles were classified from 2 to 7/10 through the PEDro score. The main outcome measures analyzed were vertigo, positional nystagmus and postural balance. Additionally, the number of maneuvers necessary for remission of the symptoms, the quality of life, and the functionality were also assessed. The majority of the clinical trials used Otolith Repositioning Maneuver (n = 5) and 3 articles performed Vestibular Rehabilitation exercises in addition to Otolith Repositioning Maneuver or pharmacotherapy. One study showed that the addition of movement restrictions after maneuver did not influence the outcomes. Conclusion There was a trend of improvement in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo symptomatology in elderly patients who underwent Otolith Repositioning Maneuver. There is sparse evidence from methodologically robust clinical trials that examined the effects of Otolith Repositioning Maneuver and Vestibular Rehabilitation exercises for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in the elderly. Randomized controlled clinical trials with comprehensive assessment of symptoms, quality of life, function and long-term follow up are warranted.

Resumo Introdução A vertigem posicional paroxística benigna é altamente prevalente em idosos. Essa condição está relacionada a vertigem, perda auditiva, zumbido, equilíbrio precário, distúrbios da marcha e aumento do risco de quedas, levando a mudanças posturais e redução da qualidade de vida. Objetivo Avaliar os desfechos obtidos por ensaios clínicos sobre a eficácia da manobra de reposicionamento de otólitos e de exercícios de reabilitação vestibular no tratamento de vertigem posicional paroxística benigna em idosos. Método A pesquisa da literatura foi feita nos bancos de dados do PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e PEDro e incluiu ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados em inglês, espanhol e português, publicados de janeiro de 2000 a agosto de 2016. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi avaliada pelo escore PEDro e a análise dos desfechos foi feita por revisão crítica do conteúdo. Resultados Seis estudos foram totalmente revisados. A idade média dos participantes variou entre 67,2-74,5 anos. Os artigos foram classificados de 2 a 7/10 pelo escore PEDro. As principais medidas de desfecho analisadas foram vertigem, nistagmo posicional e equilíbrio postural. Além disso, o número de manobras necessárias para a remissão dos sintomas, a qualidade de vida e a funcionalidade também foram avaliados. A maioria dos ensaios clínicos usou manobra de reposicionamento de otólitos (n = 5) e três artigos fizeram exercícios de RV, além de manobra de reposicionamento de otólitos ou farmacoterapia. Um estudo mostrou que a adição de restrições de movimento após a manobra não influenciou os resultados. Conclusão Houve uma tendência de melhoria na sintomatologia da vertigem posicional paroxística benigna em pacientes idosos submetidos à manobra de reposicionamento de otólitos. Existem evidências escassas de ensaios clínicos metodologicamente robustos que examinaram os efeitos dos exercícios de manobra de reposicionamento de otólitos e reabilitação vestibular para o tratamento da vertigem posicional paroxística benigna nos idosos. Ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados com avaliação abrangente de sintomas, qualidade de vida, função e acompanhamento de longo prazo são necessários.

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OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated with visual impairment (VI) and eye care in the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). METHOD: IMIAS data were analyzed ( N = 1,995 with ages 65-74). Outcomes were VI defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the better eye and eye care utilization assessed by annual visits to eye care professionals. The Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream (HITS) questionnaire requested information on domestic violence. RESULTS: Among men, VI varied from 24% in Manizales (Colombia) to 0.5% in Kingston (Canada); among women, VI ranged from 20% in Manizales to 1% in Kingston; lifetime exposure to domestic violence was associated with VI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.17, 3.00]). Eye care utilization varied from 72% in Kingston's men to 25% in Tirana's men; it was associated with domestic violence (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.3; 95% CI = [1.1, 1.6]). DISCUSSION: VI is more frequent where eye care utilization is low. Domestic violence may be a risk factor for VI.

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INTRODUCTION: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is highly prevalent in elderly people. This condition is related to vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, poor balance, gait disturbance, and an increase in risk of falls, leading to postural changes and quality of life decreasing. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes obtained by clinical trials on the effectiveness of Otolith Repositioning Maneuver and Vestibular Rehabilitation exercises in the treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in elderly. METHODS: The literature research was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PEDro databases, and included randomized controlled clinical trials in English, Spanish and Portuguese, published during January 2000 to August 2016. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by PEDro score and the outcomes analysis was done by critical revision of content. RESULTS: Six studies were fully reviewed. The average age of participants ranged between 67.2 and 74.5 years. The articles were classified from 2 to 7/10 through the PEDro score. The main outcome measures analyzed were vertigo, positional nystagmus and postural balance. Additionally, the number of maneuvers necessary for remission of the symptoms, the quality of life, and the functionality were also assessed. The majority of the clinical trials used Otolith Repositioning Maneuver (n=5) and 3 articles performed Vestibular Rehabilitation exercises in addition to Otolith Repositioning Maneuver or pharmacotherapy. One study showed that the addition of movement restrictions after maneuver did not influence the outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was a trend of improvement in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo symptomatology in elderly patients who underwent Otolith Repositioning Maneuver. There is sparse evidence from methodologically robust clinical trials that examined the effects of Otolith Repositioning Maneuver and Vestibular Rehabilitation exercises for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in the elderly. Randomized controlled clinical trials with comprehensive assessment of symptoms, quality of life, function and long-term follow up are warranted.

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BACKGROUND: Low cardiopulmonary fitness, measured by oxygen uptake peak (VO 2pk), is associated with postoperative complications and mortality. Obese people have difficulty in performing the cardiopulmonary exercise test, which requires maximal exertion. The incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) and 6-min walking test (6MWT) have been used to assess cardiorespiratory capacity, mortality, and complications in the postoperative phase. However, the physiological response elicited by these tests in obese people is unknown. This study analyzed and compared cardiopulmonary fitness (oxygen uptake [VO2] and CO2 output [VCO2]) in the ISWT and 6MWT in obese adults using a telemetry system. METHODS: Fifteen obese patients (10 women; mean age 39.4 ± 10.1 years; mean body mass index 43.5 ± 6.8 kg/m(2)) with normal forced vital capacity (% FVC 93.7) performed the 6MWT and ISWT in the field in this cross-sectional study. Metabolic (VO 2pk, VCO2) and respiratory (minute ventilation; VE) variables were recorded using telemetry. RESULTS: Obese patients performed the ISWT with an incremental and exponential cardiopulmonary response, with higher VO 2pk (15.4 ± 2.9 ml/kg/min), VCO2 (1.7 ± 0.7 l/min), and VE (51.4 ± 21.3 l/min) than the 6MWT (VO 2pk = 13.2 ± 2.59 ml/kg/min, VCO2 = 1.4 ± 0.6 l/min; VE = 41.2 ± 16.6 l/min (all p < 0.01). They also demonstrated more effort intensity, assessed by VO2, (p = 0.006) and heart rate (p = 0.04) in the ISWT than the 6MWT. In the 6MWT, patients showed a fast rise in ventilatory and metabolic response, reaching a plateau. CONCLUSION: The ISWT test generated superior metabolic and ventilatory stress than the 6MWT and may be more suitable for assessing cardiopulmonary fitness than self-paced tests.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance in the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by comparing to a group of healthy elderly patients, performed with and without verbal encouragement. This cross-sectional study compared 40 patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) = 53.7 ± 23.8%; forced vital capacity (FVC%) = 65.5 ± 20.8%; and the FEV1/FVC ratio = 55.4 ± 12.4) and 40 healthy elderly patients (control). The 6 MWT's were performed with and without verbal encouragement according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS), monitoring the distance walked (6 MWD), the duration of walking (TW) and the perceived effort index (PEI) through the Borg scale between the groups. No differences were observed in patients with COPD when the tests were performed with and without verbal encouragement for the 6 MWD, TW and PEI, the same occurring in the control group for the 6 MWD, TW and PEI, respectively. The use of verbal encouragement was not sufficient to promote improvement in the performance of the 6 MWT (6 MWD, TW and PEI) of patients with COPD and healthy elderly patients.

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BACKGROUND: To facilitate a systematic, comprehensive description of functioning and to enable the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in clinical practice and research, core sets have been developed. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to propose a version of the ICF core set to classify the physical health of older adults. METHODS: The proposition of the ICF core set was based on the Delphi technique. The panel of experts included 8 Brazilian researchers (physical therapists, medical doctors, nurses, and physical educators). The communication was wholly electronic. In total, there were 5 rounds of interactivity between the participants to arrive at the final version of the construct. RESULTS: The ICF core set presented 30 categories (14 on body functions, 4 on body structures, 9 on activities or participation, and 3 on environmental factors) and had a Cronbach α of 0.964. CONCLUSIONS: The presented core set is a secure, fast, and accurate instrument for assessing the physical health and engagement of older adults. It defines points related to functioning and health that are relevant when evaluating this population, as well as when reevaluating it and monitoring changes.

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BACKGROUND: In 2001 the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a classification system for understanding functioning and human disability: the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF's acceptance and use has been facilitated by the development and global consensus process, with increasing evidence about its validity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the overview of the use of the ICF in Brazil, since its conception in 2001 until the year 2011. METHOD: We conducted an integrative literature review by searching SciELO, Lilacs, PubMed and ISI databases. To be included in the review, the study must have been published as scientific article, editorial or technical note, and had to having the participation of Brazilian researchers or have been developed in Brazil. RESULTS: One hundred and two publications were identified, but only 47 studies were included based in the inclusion criteria. Most of eligible studies were related to neurology (n=16) and orthopaedics (n=12) subdisciplines. The university that most appeared in the publications in national journals was The Universidade de São Paulo (11) and in the international journals was Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (4). In 2003 there was only one publication; in 2010 and 2011 were 10 and 8, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although incipient, the use of ICF in the Brazilian scientific community is rising. There is a concentration of studies related to the locomotor system, as well as performed by universities in the southeast area of Brazil.

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BACKGROUND: In 2001the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a classification system for understanding functioning and human disability: the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF’s acceptance and use has been facilitated by the development and global consensus process, with increasing evidence about its validity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the overview of the use of the ICF in Brazil, since its conception in 2001 until the year 2011. METHOD: We conducted an integrative literature review by searching SciELO, Lilacs, PubMed and ISI databases. To be included in the review, the study must have been published as scientific article, editorial or technical note, and had to having the participation of Brazilian researchers or have been developed in Brazil. RESULTS: One hundred and two publications were identified, but only 47 studies were included based in the inclusion criteria. Most of eligible studies were related to neurology (n=16) and orthopaedics (n=12) subdisciplines. The university that most appeared in the publications in national journals was The Universidade de São Paulo (11) and in the international journals was Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (4). In 2003 there was only one publication; in 2010 and 2011 were 10 and 8, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although incipient, the use of ICF in the Brazilian scientific community is rising. There is a concentration of studies related to the locomotor system, as well as performed by universities in the southeast area of Brazil.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Em 2001, a OMS aprovou um sistema de classificação para o entendimento da funcionalidade e da incapacidade humana: a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF). A aceitação e a utilização da CIF vêm sendo facilitadas pelo seu desenvolvimento e processo de consenso global, com crescente evidência sobre a sua validade. OBJETIVOS: Investigar o panorama do uso da CIF no Brasil desde a sua concepção em 2001 até o ano de 2011. MÉTODO: Revisão integrativa da literatura com consulta às bases de dados SciELO, Lilacs, PubMed e ISI. Para ser incluído na revisão, o trabalho deveria ter sido publicado na forma de artigo científico, editorial ou nota técnica, além de ter a participação de pesquisadores nacionais ou ter sido desenvolvido no Brasil. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas 102 publicações; em seguida, a partir dos critérios de seleção, foram analisados 47 estudos, sendo a sua maioria nas áreas de neurologia (16) e ortopedia (12). A instituição de ensino que mais aparece nas publicações em periódicos nacionais é a USP (11) e, em internacionais, é a UFMG (4). Em 2003, houve apenas uma publicação, já em 2010, foram dez e, em 2011, oito. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de incipiente, o uso da CIF na comunidade científica brasileira está em ascensão. Há uma concentração de estudos nas áreas relacionadas ao aparelho locomotor bem como nas instituições da região sudeste.

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UNLABELLED: Our aim was to assess the relationships between cortisol, interleukin-2 (Il-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in elderly with and without COPD presenting with or without depressive symptoms. Forty COPD patients and 53 elderly individuals with no COPD took part in the study. Depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale=GDS-15), IL-2 and TNF-α, serum cortisol, number of comorbidities, smoking habits and body composition were evaluated. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in COPD group. The number of comorbidities was higher in patients with depressive symptoms. No differences were found between IL-2, TNF-α and cortisol levels, years of smoking and smoked pack-years in the groups. The COPD group obtained lower body mass index (BMI) and fat content and higher fat free mass index as well as greater nutritional depletion. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms as well as fat and lean body composition, due to preserved BMI in those with nutritional depletion, must be investigated.

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The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of depressive symptomatology among elderly residents in long stay institution (LSI) and in the community of Recife, Brazil. In total, 81 LSI elderly patients (mean age of 75.55 + or - 9.18 years) and 132 elderly (mean age of 73.14 + or - 8.27 years) individuals from the community were evaluated. Depressive symptomatology was assessed by the geriatric depression scale (GDS-15), cognitive status by the mini mental state examination (MMSE) and capacity to perform the activities of daily living (ADL) by the Katz Index. Comorbidities and the use of medication were recorded. The LSI elderly exhibited more depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) and more dependency (p < 0.001). We observed no differences in MMSE (p = 0.058). The elderly in the community displayed more comorbidities and the LSI elderly consumed more medication (p < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). According to multivariate analysis (logistic regression), being male, having no spouse and having a low schooling level are risk factors for depressive symptoms. In conclusion, most elderly with depressive symptoms received no medication for depression.

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Contextualização: Diversos estudos têm avaliado a função motora de crianças com Paralisia Cerebral (PC), entretanto pouco se sabe sobre as inter-relações entre comprometimentos da mobilidade, autocuidado e função social relacionadas às habilidades funcionais da criança e à assistência do cuidador. OBJETIVOS: Identificar diferenças funcionais de crianças com PC em diferentes níveis de disfunção motora e correlacioná-las com os domínios mobilidade, autocuidado e função social na habilidade funcional e na assistência do cuidador. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se uma pesquisa analítica de corte transversal com 70 crianças/famílias, com idades de 4 a 7,5 anos, atendidas no Centro de Reabilitação Infantil, por meio do Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory (PEDI) e do Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio da ANOVA e teste de correlação de Pearson. RESULTADOS: Os resultados indicaram importante variabilidade funcional das crianças com PC em diferentes níveis de severidade da disfunção motora. Essa variação foi observada nos domínios mobilidade, autocuidado e função social. Os resultados apresentaram, também, forte correlação entre os domínios mobilidade e autocuidado e mobilidade e função social. CONCLUSÕES: Diante da variabilidade apresentada pelas crianças, percebe-se a necessidade de aplicação do PEDI e GMFCS, o que parece aumentar o entendimento sobre a relação entre funções motoras grossas e atividades da vida diária. Essa correlação demonstra o quanto a mobilidade é determinante para avaliar o desempenho funcional e orientar a prática terapêutica no sentido de desenvolver as potencialidades das crianças, bem como orientar o cuidador na estimulação.

Background: Several studies have evaluated motor function among children with cerebral palsy (CP), but little is known about how mobility impairment, self-care and social function interrelate with their functional skills and caregiver assistance. OBJECTIVES: To identify functional differences among children with CP at different levels of motor dysfunction, and to investigate the relationship between these differences and the domains of mobility, self-care and social function in functional skills and caregiver assistance. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 children and their families. The children were aged 4 to 7.5 years and received care at the Children's Rehabilitation Center. The instruments used were the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory (PEDI) and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Data analysis was performed by means of ANOVA and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The results showed significant functional variability among the children with CP at different levels of motor dysfunction severity. This variation was observed in the domains of mobility, self-care and social function. The results also showed a strong correlation between mobility and self-care and between mobility and social function. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the variability shown by the children, it was necessary to apply PEDI and GMFCS, which appears to increase the understanding of how gross motor function relates to activities of daily living. This correlation demonstrates the extent to which mobility is a determinant for evaluating functional performance and guiding therapeutic practice to develop children's potentials and instruct caregivers in stimulation.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To examine life course social, gender and ethnic inequalities in ADL disability in a Brazilian urban elderly population. METHODS: We used the São Paulo-SABE study (health, well-being and aging in Latin America and the Caribbean) to assess the associations between ADL disability and gender, ethnicity and life course social conditions (childhood socio-economic and health status, education, lifetime occupation, current perception of income), controlling for current physical and mental health (cognitive impairment and comorbidity). ADL disability was defined as the presence of one or more difficulties with six tasks: bathing, toileting, dressing, walking across the room, eating, and getting out of bed. RESULTS: Results suggest that social inequalities during the life course (hunger and poverty in early life; illiteracy, a low skilled occupation, having been a housewife; insufficient income) tend to result in disability in later life. The prevalence of ADL disability was higher among women (22.4%) than among men (14.8%). Mestizo/ Native elders reported higher prevalence of disability compared with Whites and Blacks/Mulattos. Ethnic inequalities concerning ADL disability were explained by social and health conditions, but the gender gap persisted (OR women vs men= 2.16; 95% CI 1.32-3.55). Despite their higher rate of ADL disability in old age, women appear to be more resilient than men toward poor socio-economic conditions throughout the life course. Chronic conditions were more likely to result in ADL disability among men than women (OR= 1.83; 95% CI 1.41-2.38 in women; OR= 3.42; 95% CI 2.41-4.86 in men). CONCLUSIONS: Decreasing social inequalities during childhood and adulthood will reduce socio-economic inequalities in disability in old age, especially among men.

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