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.

摘要
## 研究背景
补充性检查有助于阐明老年人健康问题的病因。
## 研究目的
旨在描述用于收集、分析与储存生物样本、影像检查及身体功能测试的操作要点与实验方案。
## 研究方法
本研究为基于人群的纵向研究，数据来源于2014年开展的EpiFloripa衰老研究（EpiFloripa Ageing Study），共纳入604名年龄≥60岁的老年人。研究收集了生物样本、身体成分、骨密度检测、颈动脉内膜平均厚度超声检查、握力测试及身体活动相关数据。
## 研究结果
本研究应答率为50.4%。研究存在与年龄、认知状态及日常生活活动能力相关的失访情况。完成各项测试的受试者更为年轻，在访谈时仍有职业、有饮酒习惯且身体活动充足；同时其依赖程度更低，无认知障碍、抑郁症状及行动困难。
## 研究结论
本研究对所采用研究流程的详细描述，可为老年人群相关同类研究的开展提供参考，进而实现对人群衰老进程及其风险与保护因素的长期追踪。