EpiFloripa Ageing Longitudinal Study – Organizational routines and protocols related to the collection, analysis and storage of biological material, image exams and physical-functional capacity

Abstract Background Complementary exams may contribute to the understanding of the etiology of health problems in older adults. Objective To describe the operational aspects and protocols used to collect, analyze and storage biological materials, image exams and physical-functional capacity tests. Method This is a longitudinal and population-based study with 604 older adults (≥ 60 years) from EpiFloripa Ageing Study, in 2014. Data of biological material, body composition, bone densitometry, ultrasonography of the carotid artery intima average thickness, hand grip strength and physical activity were collected. Results The response rate was 50.4%. There was loss of follow-up in relation to age, cognitive status, and activities of daily living. The individuals who performed the tests were younger, worked by the time of the interview, ingested alcohol and were physically active. Also, they were less dependent, absence of cognitive impairment, absence of depressive symptoms and absence of difficulty in mobility. Conclusion It is expected that the description of the applied routines may help in the development of new similar research in the older adult population. Thus, the aging process of the population, its risk and protection factors can be followed.