Abstract

Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type (FPLD) is characterised by a progressive reduction of adipose issue in the extremities and in the trunk and by an accumulation of fat in the head, neck and visceral adipose tissue, and is associated with diabetes, dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular diseases. The aim was to assess the level of physical activity, body composition (BC) and abdominal resistance in women with FPLD. Eighteen women with FPLD and 18 control women (CG) were evaluated in terms of anthropometric variables (weight, height, body mass index (BMI)). BC was evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic 4500W). A questionnaire divided into four parts was used for the assessment of habitual physical activity level (HPAL): occupational physical activities (OPA), physical exercise (PE) and locomotion and leisure activities (LLA), which are part of the evaluation of physical activity in the last 12 months (ET). Resistance was determined by the 1 min abdominal test. The characteristics of women with FPLD were: age=36±13 years, weight=64.7±14.1 kg, height=1.61±0.07 m, BMI=24.8±4.2 kg/m² vs CG age=35.6±13 years, weight=63.9±12.4 kg, height=1.62±0.07 m, BMI=24.4±4.8 kg/m². Regarding HPAL, women with FPLD presented: OPA=2.96±0.61, PE=1.92±0.48, LLA=2.50±0.59, ET=7.33±1.18 vs CG OPA=2.75±0.60, PE=2.14±0.56, LLA=2.47±0.66, ET=7.38±1.16. As expected, % fat (FPLD=23.5±9.5% vs CG=36.0±6.1% p<0.05) and lean mass (FPLD=42.5 kg vs CG=35.8 kg p<0.05) differed between groups. In the abdominal test, women with FPLD presented reduced abdominal resistance (FPLD=14 repetitions vs CG=26 repetitions) (p=0.01). HPAL was low in both groups and abdominal resistance was lower in the FPLD group. A low level of muscle strength may contribute to the onset of diseases that cause limitations of daily activities and a reduced quality of life.