Older women with normal weight show higher muscle strength of lower limbs than overweight and obesity

Introduction: studies involving the assessment of muscle strength levels, as well as the nutritional status of elderly people are extremely relevant, in an attempt to promote action strategies that can contribute to combating the losses caused by the aging process. Objective: to verify the relationship between muscle strength and the nutritional status of elderly women. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out with 44 elderly women who practice physical exercises. Anthropometric measurements, the sit-and -stand test (TSLC) and the elbow flexion test (CFT) were used as evaluation. Data analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent student's t and Pearson's coefficient tests. A significance of p < 0.05 was adopted. Results: An average Body Mass Index of 25.86 +/- 4.44 kg/m(2) was found, classifying the elderly as overweight and/or obese. It was found that elderly women classified as underweight and normal weight had greater lower limb muscle strength than overweight/obese elderly women. Conclusion: inadequate nutritional status and more advanced age can interfere with the muscle strength of elderly women who practice physical exercise.