ACTN 3 gene polymorphism and factors associated with functional performance in elderly women assisted in primary health care

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the potential influences of the R/X genetic polymorphism of the ACTN3 gene and of anthropometric and metabolic characteristics on the functional performance of elderly women assisted in primary health care. Method: One hundred and forty-one elderly women were evaluated in relation to anthropometric, metabolic, functional, clinical, cognitive and demographic characteristics. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of the ACTN3 gene polymorphism were determined. Results: 141 elderly women (68.30 ± 6.18 years) were evaluated. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the RR and RX/XX genotypes in the functional performance, anthropometric or metabolic characteristics of the elderly women. The duration of the TUG test showed positive correlations with age, body mass index, waist circumference and fat percentage (s = 0.315; p < 0.001; s = 0.238; p = 0.005; s = 0.174; p = 0.039; s = 0.207; p = 0.014) respectively. Negative correlations were observed between the TUG with absolute (s = - 0.314; p < 0.001) and relative (s = - 0.380; p < 0.001) handgrip strength. Conclusion: In our study, no influences of ACTN3 gene polymorphisms were observed on the functional performance of elderly women, which was influenced by other factors.