Biomedical subjects

K Gray-Donald

Publications and source records attributed to K Gray-Donald.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Fruit and vegetable consumption is lower and saturated fat intake is higher among Canadians reporting smoking.

Understanding differences in dietary patterns by smoking status is important for nutritionists and health educators involved in helping individuals to make healthy dietary and lifestyle choices. Although smokers have a poor quality diet compared with nonsmokers, no study has examined nutritional adequacy and variability in the nutrient intake of smokers. The aim of this study was to compare dietary habits of smokers with nonsmokers in terms of nutrient intake, food groups contributing to nutrient intake, nutritional adequacy and day-to-day variation in nutrient intake. Noninstitutionalized adults aged 18--65 y (n = 1543) who participated in the Food Habits of Canadians Survey (1997--1998) were studied. Subjects, selected from across Canada using a multistage, random-sampling strategy, completed an in-home 24-h dietary recall. Repeat interviews were conducted in a subsample to estimate variability in nutrient intake. Smokers had higher intakes of total and saturated fat, and lower intakes of folate, vitamin C and fiber than nonsmokers. There were no significant differences in calcium, zinc and vitamin A intakes or day-to-day variation in nutrient intake by smoking status. Smokers consumed significantly fewer fruits and vegetables than nonsmokers, leading to lower intakes of folate and vitamin C. In conclusion, smokers have a less healthy diet than nonsmokers, placing them at higher risk for chronic disease as a result of both dietary and smoking habits. Diet may act as a confounder in smoking-disease relationships.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Food habits of Canadians: comparison of intakes in adults and adolescents to Canada's food guide to healthy eating.

Over 25 years have elapsed since national food and nutrient intake data became available in Canada. Our goal was to describe present dietary intakes based on sociodemographic and 24-hour recall dietary interviews with adults and adolescents from households across the country. Within a multistage, stratified random sample of 80 enumeration areas, 1,543 randomly selected adults (aged 18-65) were enrolled in the study; 178 adolescents within the sampled households also participated. A comparison of food intake with Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating indicated that only males aged 13-34 met the minimum recommended intake levels for all four food groups. Mean milk products intake was below the minimum recommended level for all age groups of females and for men aged 35-65 years. Adolescent girls had low intakes of meat and alternatives. Daily grain product intakes were below five servings for women aged 50-65, as were vegetable and fruit intakes for women aged 18-40. Food choices from the "other foods" group contributed over 25% of energy and fat intake for all age and gender groups. These up-to-date data will be useful to dietitians, nutrition researchers, industry, and government in their efforts to promote Canadians' continued progress toward meeting food intake recommendations.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Intervening to reduce weight gain in pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus in Cree communities: an evaluation.

BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes has been observed among the Cree of James Bay, Quebec. To address this problem, a diet and activity intervention during pregnancy, which was based on social learning theory, was initiated in 4 Cree communities. METHODS: A prospective intervention compared dietary, weight and glycemic indicators for 107 control subjects and for 112 women who received the intervention during the course of their pregnancy. A control period in 4 communities (July 1995-March 1996) was followed by an intervention period (April 1996-January 1997) when subjects were offered regular, individual diet counselling, physical activity sessions and other activities related to nutrition. RESULTS: The intervention and control groups did not differ at baseline regarding their mean age (24.3 years [SD 6.29] v. 23.8 years [SD 5.86]), mean prepregnancy weight (81.0 kg [SD 19.46] v. 78.9 kg [SD 17.54]) and mean gestational age at recruitment (17.1 weeks [SD 7.06] v. 18.5 weeks [SD 6.92]). The intervention did not result in differences in diet measured at 24-30 weeks' gestation, rate of weight gain over the second half of pregnancy (0.53 kg per week [SD 0.32] v. 0.53 kg per week [SD 0.27]) or plasma glucose level (50 g oral glucose screen) between 24 and 30 weeks (7.21 mmol/L [SD 2.09] v. 7.43 mmol/L [SD 2.10]). Mean birth weights were similar (3741 g [SD 523] v. 3686 g [SD 686]), as was maternal weight at 6 weeks post partum (88.1 kg [SD 16.8] v. 86.4 kg [SD 19.0]). The only changes in dietary intake were a reduction in caffeine (pregnancy) and an increase in folate (post partum). INTERPRETATION: This intervention had only a minor impact on diet; finding ways of encouraging appropriate body weight and activity levels remains a challenge.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

One- and two-year predictors of excess weight gain among elementary schoolchildren in multiethnic, low-income, inner-city neighborhoods.

Longitudinal studies are needed to increase understanding of the causes of childhood obesity. To identify 1- and 2-year predictors of excess weight gain among preadolescents, the authors conducted a prospective cohort study of fourth- and fifth-grade students in 16 elementary schools located in multiethnic, low-income neighborhoods in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, that were participating in the evaluation of a school-based heart health promotion program. Subjects included 2,318 children aged 9-12 years with baseline and 1-year follow-up data and 633 children aged 9-11 years with baseline and 2-year follow-up data. One-year predictors of highest decile of change in body mass index (BMI) identified in logistic regression analyses included baseline BMI of 90th percentile or more (odds ratio (OR) = 2.66, 95% confidence interval: 1.80, 3.94) in boys and baseline BMI of 90th percentile or more (OR = 2.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.46, 3.76), no sports outside school (OR = 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.18, 3.06), and playing video games everyday (OR = 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 5.92) in girls. Two-year predictors included baseline BMI of 90th percentile or more (OR = 3.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.52, 7.01), no sports outside school (OR = 2.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.96, 4.77), and least active (OR = 2.18, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 4.71) in boys; only baseline BMI of 90th percentile or more (OR = 2.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 4.81) was significant in girls. Results suggest the need for interventions to promote increased physical activity in children.

Body Mass Index↗

PubMed2000

Prevalence of anemia among James Bay Cree infants of northern Quebec.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common among First Nation infants in Canada, often as a result of iron deficiency, which places them at risk for psychomotor impairment. Prevalence data are unavailable, and the risk factors are unknown. This study assessed the prevalence of anemia and associated risk factors among 9-month-old Cree infants in northern Quebec. METHODS: Between January 1995 and October 1998, 6 of 9 Cree villages in the James Bay region adopted a screening protocol for anemia in 9-month-old infants. Cross-sectional data were obtained from medical charts. The data for babies of very low birth weight and those with fever or infection were excluded. Among the 386 babies whose hemoglobin concentration was known, the type of milk consumed at the time of screening was known for 354. Associations between hemoglobin concentration and mean cell volume at 9 months, and milk type and weight gain since birth were analysed. RESULTS: The mean hemoglobin concentration of the 386 infants was 114.1 (standard deviation [SD] 10.6) g/L. The prevalence of anemia was 31.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.2%-36.7%) with a hemoglobin cutoff value of 110 g/L, 17.6% 95% CI 13.9%-21.7%) with a cutoff value of 105 g/L, and 7.8% (95% CI 5.3%-10.9%) with a cutoff value of 100 g/L. Babies exclusively fed formula at 9 months had a higher mean hemoglobin concentration (118.5 [SD 9.9] g/L) than those exclusively fed breast milk (109.9 [SD 10.0] g/L), cow's milk (112.5 [SD 10.1] g/L) or more than one type of milk (112.0 [SD 10.8] g/L) (p < 0.05). Compared with formula, the odds ratio (OR) for anemia was 7.9 (95% CI 3.4-18.2) for breast milk, 5.0 (95% CI 2.0-12.7) for cow's milk and 5.2 (95% CI 1.9-14.6) for mixed milks. Infants fed formula and those fed cow's milk had significantly greater weight gains since birth, by 724 g and 624 g respectively, than breast-fed infants (p < 0.05). When milk type was controlled for, weight gain since birth was significantly associated with the presence of microcytic erythrocytes (OR comparing highest tertile of weight gain to lowest tertile 2.9, 95% CI 1.2-6.6). INTERPRETATION: Iron-deficiency anemia is highly prevalent among James Bay Cree infants. Measures to increase iron intake are required.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2000

Nutrition risk factors for institutionalization in a free-living functionally dependent elderly population.

Risk factors for institutionalization of frail elderly have been studied but the role of nutritional status has not been addressed. A prospective cohort of 288 frail elderly (81 male; 207 female; mean age: 78.2 +/- 7.6 years) were recruited from the current list of those receiving home help services and followed for 3-5 years. At baseline, height, weight, and arm muscle circumference were measured. Self-reported weight loss prior to baseline, energy, and protein intake were recorded. Covariates included sociodemographic factors, social network variables, functional and health status. Cox's multivariate survival analysis was used to identify independent predictors of institutionalization. Over the period of observation, 46% of subjects were institutionalized. Univariate predictors included weight loss >/=5 kg, functional status, and not living alone. In multivariate analysis, weight loss significantly increased the likelihood of institutionalization [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.71 (95% CI: 1.08-2.73)] as did limited functional capacities [HR = 1.26 (95% CI: 1.02-1.55)]. Among the free-living frail elderly, weight loss >/=5 kg is an important predictor of early institutionalization after controlling for social network, health, and functional status.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2000

A five-year trend of increasing obesity among elementary schoolchildren in multiethnic, low-income, inner-city neighborhoods in Montreal, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity over 5 y among inner-city elementary schoolchildren aged 10-12 y in multiethnic, low-income neighborhoods in Montreal, Canada. DESIGN: Height and weight of all students in grades 4-6 in 16 control schools participating in an evaluation of the impact of a school-based heart health promotion program, were measured each May/June from 1993 to 1997 in cross-sectional classroom-based school surveys. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight (> or = 85th age- and gender-specific percentile for body mass index (BMI) from NHANES I and II) was 35.9% in 1993; it increased by approximately 1.3% per year. The prevalence of obesity (> or = 95th age- and gender-specific percentile for BMI from NHANES I and II) was 15.9% in 1993; it increased by approximately 1.0% per year. In multivariate models predicting overweight and obesity, the odds ratios for year adjusted for age, sex, and family ethnic origin were 1.08 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.12), and 1.09 (95%CI, 1.04-1.15), respectively. CONCLUSION: There were significant secular trends of increasing overweight and obesity among young inner-city schoolchildren from the early to late 1990s. Preventive intervention is clearly indicated because childhood obesity tracks to adulthood and because obesity is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and health care costs.

Body Mass Index↗

PubMed2000

High rates of infant macrosomia: a comparison of a Canadian native and a non-native population.

The Cree of James Bay have the highest ever reported mean birth weight and a high prevalence of infant macrosomia. This study was designed to examine independent risk factors for infant macrosomia among the Cree, to compare these to risk factors among non-Native Canadians and to determine if ethnic differences persist after adjusting for differences in the distribution of other risk factors. Macrosomia was defined as birth weight >90(th) percentile for gestational age of a reference population. Independent determinants of macrosomia were examined in 385 Cree and 5644 non-Native women. The potential effect of ethnicity (Cree vs. non-Native) was determined after statistically adjusting for age, parity, pregravid weight, height, net rate of weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and smoking status. The prevalence of macrosomia among the Cree was 34.3% vs. 11.1% among non-Natives. Although GDM significantly increased the risk for macrosomia among the Cree (odds ratio: 4.46, 95% CI: 2.24-9.26), it was not a significant risk factor among non-Natives (odds ratio: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.79-1.65). The risk for infant macrosomia remained elevated among the Cree compared with non-Natives after adjusting for other risk factors (odds ratio: 3.64, 95% CI: 2.69-4.90). In conclusion, the Cree have a high prevalence of macrosomia despite controlling for important differences in pregravid weight and GDM. Some of this variation may be due to genetic differences in fetal growth. The differential impact of GDM on macrosomia in the two ethnic groups may be due to differences in treatment strategies for GDM.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among James Bay Cree women in northern Quebec.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus has been reported to vary widely in aboriginal populations. Most of the data have come from the United States. To help determine the extent of gestational diabetes in Canada's aboriginal population, the authors assessed the prevalence in a population of Cree women in northern Quebec. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criteria. Information was obtained from patient charts on pregnancies between January 1995 and December 1996 among women residing in 9 Cree communities in the eastern James Bay region of northern Quebec. Women who were not Cree, had pre-existing diabetes, had spontaneous abortion or were receiving glucocorticoid treatment were excluded. RESULTS: Data on 654 pregnancies that met the inclusion criteria were available. Results of the screening oral glucose challenge test were available for 579 of the pregnancies; the remaining 75 were excluded. The mean gestational age at screening was 28.3 (standard deviation 2.6) weeks. The prevalence of gestational diabetes was 12.8% (74/579) (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.1%-15.5%). The prevalence in the inland communities was twice as high as that in the coastal communities (18.0% v. 9.3%, p = 0.002). Women with gestational diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance tended to be older, have had more pregnancies, weigh more before pregnancy and have heavier babies than those with a normal glycemic status. INTERPRETATION: The prevalence of gestational diabetes among James Bay Cree women in northern Quebec is twice as high as that among women in the general North American population and the second highest reported in an aboriginal group worldwide.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Interaction of body weight and ethnicity on risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The James Bay Cree of Canada have one of the highest recorded rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among aboriginal people worldwide; the reasons for this elevated risk remain to be documented. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare predictors and risk of GDM between the James Bay Cree and non-Native Canadians. DESIGN: Risk for GDM was compared between Cree and non-Native women by 1) adjusting statistically for differences in age, parity, pregravid weight, and smoking status (n = 402 Cree, 7718 non-Natives), and 2) matching Cree women with non-Native women for age and pregravid weight (n = 394 Cree, 788 non-Natives). Dietary and physical activity information was available for a subset of Cree women (n = 152). RESULTS: Age and pregravid weight were independent predictors of GDM in both Cree and non-Native women. After these predictors were controlled for, normal-weight (</=77 kg) Cree women were not at increased risk of GDM (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 0.67, 2.71) but overweight Cree women had a higher risk than did overweight non-Native women (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.32, 3.80). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight Cree women are at increased risk of GDM. Given the high prevalence of pregravid overweight among the Cree, the burden of GDM is higher than among non-Native Canadians.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Weight loss and mortality among free-living frail elders: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies of the elderly population have indicated that body weight and weight changes are related to mortality, but the one group at particularly high risk of nutritional inadequacies--frail elders receiving home help services--has not been studied. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 288 frail elders (81 men; 207 women; mean age: 78.2 +/- 7.6 yrs) receiving home support services was followed for 3-5 years. Nutritional variables included baseline body mass index (BMI), weight loss prior to baseline, and energy and protein intake. Covariates included age, gender, smoking, and health and functional status. Cox's multivariate survival analysis was used to identify independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: There were 102 deaths (35.4%) over the follow-up period. Univariate predictors included age, sex, BMI, weight loss, and functional status. In multivariate analysis, weight loss at baseline was a significant predictor of mortality, RR = 1.76 (95% CI: 1.15-2.71), as was male gender, RR = 2.71 (95% CI: 1.73-4.24), and age at baseline, RR = 1.40 (95% CI: 1.06-1.86). CONCLUSION: Among free-living frail elders, weight loss is a predictor of early mortality after controlling for smoking, and functional and health status indicators. From our observations, however, we cannot conclude that prevention of weight loss would lead to increased survival. This needs to be explored in an intervention study.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Nutrient intake of food bank users is related to frequency of food bank use, household size, smoking, education and country of birth.

The number of individuals and families accessing food assistance programs has continued to grow throughout the 1990s. Despite the increased health risk among low-income people, few studies have addressed nutrient intake throughout the month or at the end of the month when food and financial resources are thought to be compromised, and no study has described dietary status of a random sample of food bank users. Nutrient intakes of adult female and male food bank users in metropolitan Montreal, Quebec, Canada, were monitored week-by-week over a month by dietitian-administered 24-h recall interviews. A total of 428 participants from a stratified random sample of 57 urban area food banks completed all four interviews. Mean energy intake, as an indicator of diet quantity, was similar to other adult populations (10.2 +/- 4.8 and 7.9 +/- 3.6 MJ for men and women, respectively, age 18-49 y) and not related to sociodemographic variables except the expected biological variation of age and sex. Macronutrient intake was stable throughout the month. Overall median intakes of calcium, vitamin A, and zinc were below recommended levels for all age and sex groups. Intakes of several micronutrients were related to frequency of food bank use, household size, smoking, education, and country of birth. High nutrient intake variability characterized these adult food bank users.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Construct and longitudinal validity of a modified Huang clinical scoring system in adult cystic fibrosis patients.

This study reports on the evaluation of a modified Huang scoring system in adult cystic fibrosis patients for construct and longitudinal validity. Two studies were performed. In the first study, the scoring system was applied to 59 adult cystic fibrosis patients prospectively followed at the Montreal Chest Institute. The total score and all the subscores distinguished between patients with the expected mild degree of disease severity seen in patients colonized with only Staphylococcus aureus, compared to the more advanced disease severity seen in patients colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or multiple resistant pseudomonads. The relationship between disease severity assessed by forced expiratory volume in one second per cent predicted and the nonpulmonary function subscores was significant and linear (for the radiological subscore, r2=0.694, p<0.0001) and curvilinear (for the clinical and complications subscores, r2=0.622, p=0.0192 and r2=0.508, p=0.0009 respectively). In the second study, 20 patients retrospectively recorded were added to the prospective group. There was a good association between changes in nonpulmonary function subscores and changes in spirometry over a mean follow-up period of 779+/-204 days, at all levels of disease severity. The contribution of changes in clinical and complications subscores to the changes in total score became progressively more significant with more advanced disease severity. In conclusion, significant evidence for the construct validity of the scoring system as a discriminative instrument and for the longitudinal validity as an evaluative instrument was demonstrated. It may prove of value in assessing outcome of therapeutic interventions in clinical trials in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The impact of a community-based heart disease prevention program in a low-income, inner-city neighborhood.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the impact of a 4-year, community-based cardiovascular disease prevention program among adults aged 18 to 65 years living in St-Henri, a low-income, innercity neighborhood in Montreal, Quebec. METHODS: Awareness of and participation in the program were monitored in 3 independent sample telephone surveys. Self-reported behaviors were compared in St-Henri and a nearby comparison community before and after program implementation in both a 3-year repeat independent sample survey and a 5-year longitudinal cohort telephone survey. RESULTS: Awareness of the program reached 37.4%, but participation was low (2%-3%). There were no secular declines in smoking or high-fat diet; physical inactivity increased in both communities. There were no statistically significant program effects detected in the independent sample surveys, although physical inactivity increased more in the comparison community than in St-Henri. In the longitudinal cohort sample, there was a small, statistically significant increase favoring St-Henri in frequency of cholesterol checkups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite careful adaptation of the program to the local social context, there were few community-wide program effects. However, several component interventions showed promise in terms of community penetration and impact.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Food bank users: sociodemographic and nutritional characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The continued expansion of food assistance programs makes it important to examine the sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional profiles of people relying on this service. The authors undertook such a study in a large urban centre. METHODS: A total of 490 food bank users were randomly selected from a stratified random sample of 57 urban food banks in Montreal. A questionnaire and a dietary recall interview were given by a dietitian-interviewer to determine socioeconomic, demographic and cultural characteristics and macronutrient intake. These data were compared with national and provincial data. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants (256 men and 234 women) was 41 years; 204 (41.6%) were living alone and most (409 [83.5%]) were receiving social assistance benefits. These food bank users were well educated (190 [38.8%] had completed technical school or had a college or university education), and the sample included few elderly or disabled people. The median body mass index was greater than 24, which indicated that energy intake, although below recommended levels, was not a chronic problem. The people using the food banks had a monthly shortfall in their food budget of between $43 and $46. INTERPRETATION: Food banks are used regularly, primarily by young healthy adults. They are though of as a necessary community resource.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Randomized controlled trial of a community-based psychoeducation program for the self-management of chronic pain.

Although chronic pain is a frequent cause of suffering and disability and is costly to society, there continues to be limited access to specialty pain clinic services. Hence, there is a need for cost-effective, accessible interventions that will help people find ways to better manage this difficult problem. This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of a low-cost, community-based, nurse-delivered, group psychoeducation program entitled the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP). It has a standard protocol that was modified from the successful Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP). One hundred and ten individuals with mixed idiopathic chronic pain conditions were enrolled in the study (75% female; mean age 40 years; mean chronicity 6 years) and were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: the 12-h (CPSMP) intervention group, or the 3-month wait-list control group. Self-report measures of pain-related and other quality of life variables as well as two hypothesized mediating variables were collected pre-treatment and 3 months later by assessors blind to group allocation. One hundred and two subjects completed the study. Results of intention-to-treat analysis indicated that the treatment group made significant short-term improvements in pain, dependency, vitality, aspects of role functioning, life satisfaction and in self-efficacy and resourcefulness as compared to the wait-list control group. Because it has a standard protocol, this intervention has the potential to be reliably delivered at low cost in varied urban and rural community settings and hence be more widely accessible to a greater number of people suffering from chronic pain than is currently the case with more specialized pain clinic services. Based on the results of this study, further research evaluating the long-term impact and potential cost savings to the individual and to the health care system is warranted.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1998

Prevalence and correlates of overweight among elementary schoolchildren in multiethnic, low income, inner-city neighbourhoods in Montreal, Canada.

PURPOSE: Increased understanding of the early determinants of obesity is essential because of the increasing prevalence of obesity in many industrialized countries. METHOD: As part of the evaluation of a school-based heart health promotion intervention, we measured height, weight, and triceps skinfold thickness at baseline in 2108 students aged 9-12 years (80.5% of eligible students) in 24 inner-city elementary schools located in multiethnic, low income neighbourhoods in Montreal, Canada. Data on student's socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected in classroom-administered questionnaires, and parents completed an at-home self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 35.2% of boys and 33.0% of girls were overweight (> or = 85th age and gender-specific percentiles from NHANES 11, for body mass index and triceps skinfold thickness); 15.1% of boys and 13.3% of girls were obese (> or = 95th age and gender-specific percentiles for body mass index and triceps skinfold thickness). Younger age, having lived all one's life in Canada, and being of European or Central American/Caribbean family origin were independent correlates of obesity in boys. Younger age, ever smoked, mother obese and father obese were independent correlates of obesity in girls. Girls of Asian family origin were protected. CONCLUSIONS: The very high prevalence of overweight students in this low income, multiethnic population suggests an important need for preventive intervention.

Anthropometry↗

PubMed1998

Muscle strength and functional mobility in relation to lean body mass in free-living frail elderly women.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe body composition of the frail elderly, (2) To relate lean body mass to muscle strength and functional ability, and (3) To assess temporal stability of strength measures and index of functional ability. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community-dwelling. SUBJECTS: Thirty frail elderly women (81.5 +/- 7 y) recruited from residences or out-patient facilities. METHODS: Total body fat and fat-free mass (FFM) were determined using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and predicted from anthropometry. Handgrip strength, biceps and quadriceps strength, functional capacities (Timed 'Up & Go') as well as self-perceived health and functional status were measured. Reliability was assessed using two separate observations made one week apart by the same examiner. RESULTS: Mean height, weight and body mass index were 1.52 +/- 0.04 m, 60.4 +/- 10.7 kg and 26.0 +/- 4.8 kg/m2 respectively. FFM (34.1 +/- 4.6 kg) was lower than previous reports for autonomous elderly females and associated with all measures of muscle strength (Pearson's r = 0.42-0.62, P < or = 0.02), but not with performance on the Timed 'Up & Go' or self-perceived health and functional status. Strength measures correlated significantly with different subscales of self-perceived functional capacities and were significantly lower among women with a low %FFM (n = 19) and those reporting pain (n = 11) as compared to other women. Excellent temporal stability for muscle and functional measures was observed (ICC = 0.80-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle strength was strongly related to FFM in free-living frail elderly women especially in the absence of pain.

Adipose Tissue↗