Abstract:
Describe the distribution of bioelectrical measurements among the Kaingáng from Rio Grande do Sul (RS).Cross-sectional study conducted among students of the Indigenous Lands of RS (N= 3248). Height (H) was measured according to the OMS. Resistence (R) and reactance (Xc) were obtained through bioimpedance, and were adjusted by H. The phase angle (AF) was estimated by: arc-tangente (Xc/R)*180/π. Mean values (SD) and centiles of the variables were calculated by gender and age group. Means were compared using t Student and ANOVA tests (p <0.05). The age proportions (%) among the evaluated were: children (42.4), adolescents (56.0) and adults/elderly (1.6). In general, values of R and R/H were higher among younger individuals and females. Mean values of Xc and Xc/H changed among the different age groups, and in general, lower values of AF were observed in those younger groups and females. Despite the limited possibilities of comparisons, in general way, the tendencies of distribution of the bioelectrical values among the Kaingáng are in according with results found in other investigations. This study is a pioneer in the description of bioelectrical measures for a Brazilian indigenous population, and is intended to serve as a base for comparisons with future studies in the area.
