With the increase in life expectancy, the Brazilian elderly population has risen considerably. However, longevity is usually accompanied by problems such as the loss of functional capacity, cognitive decline, frailty syndrome, and deterioration in anthropometric parameters, particularly among those living in long-term care facilities. This randomized controlled trial aimed to verify the effects of exercise training on biochemical, inflammatory, and anthropometric indices and functional performance in institutionalized frail elderly. The sample consisted of 37 elderly people of both genders, aged 76.1 ± 7.7 years, who were randomly allocated into 2 groups: 13 individuals in the exercise group (EG) and 24 in the control group (CG). Anthropometrics, clinical history, functional tests, and biochemical evaluation were measured before and after the completion of a physical exercise program, which lasted for 12 weeks. The 12-week exercise program for frail elderly residents in a long-term care facility was efficient in improving muscle strength, speed, agility, and biochemical variables, with reversal of the frailty condition in a considerable number. However, no effects in anthropometric and inflammatory parameters were noted.

OBJECTIVES:To investigate the association between Frailty syndrome, lipid profile, anthropometric variables, and the functional capacity of older adults; and to analyze an explanatory model of variables with higher predictive capacity for Frailty syndrome. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 36 and 86 older adults residing in long-term care facilities and in their households, respectively. Anamnesis was followed by evaluation of anthropometric data, risk of falls, functional tests, and biochemical tests. Frailty syndrome was determined according to the criteria suggested by Fried et al. RESULTS: Geriatric patients classified as frail were older; had higher medication consumption; and presented lower performance in handgrip strength, sit-to-stand, and gait speed tests as compared to pre-and non-frail older adults. CONCLUSION: Gait speed and sit-to-stand tests were significant predictors of Frailty syndrome. Specifically, a good performance in these tests represents a protection factor against Frailty syndrome. Furthermore, gait speed performance was explained by age, handgrip strength performance, and frailty status, while sit-to-stand performance was explained by risk of falls and muscular strength. KEYWORDS: frail older adults; aging; health of the elderly. RESUMOOBJETIVOS: Investigar a associação entre síndrome da fragilidade, perfil lipídico, variáveis antropométricas e capacidade funcional de idosos; e analisar um modelo explicativo de variáveis com maior capacidade preditiva para síndrome da fragilidade. MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal incluiu 36 e 86 idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência e em suas residências, respectivamente. A anamnese foi seguida pela avaliação dos dados antropométricos, risco de quedas, testes funcionais e testes bioquímicos. A síndrome da fragilidade foi determinada de acordo com os critérios sugeridos por Fried et al. RESULTADOS: Os idosos classificados como frágeis eram mais idosos; tiveram maior consumo de medicação; e apresentaram menor desempenho nos testes de força de preensão palmar, levantar e sentar e velocidade da marcha quando comparados aos idosos pré e não frágeis. CONCLUSÕES: Os testes velocidade da marcha e levantar e sentar foram preditores significativos de síndrome da fragilidade. Especificamente, um bom desempenho nesses testes representa um fator de proteção contra a síndrome da fragilidade. Além disso, o desempenho da velocidade da marcha foi explicado pela idade, desempenho da força de preensão palmar e estado de fragilidade, enquanto o desempenho do levantar e sentar foi explicado pelo risco de quedas e força muscular.