Efeito a curto prazo do exercício físico sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes com dor lombar crônica

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain is a public health problem in Brazil, with a high prevalence among its population. In addition to the high probability of acute low back pain, one of the biggest problems is its progression to chronic cases. Lifestyle habits, psychosocial and work-related factors have a direct impact on the manifestation of low back pain, which has a strong influence on patients' quality of life. Physical exercise as a treatment can relieve pain and consequently improve the quality of life of individuals with chronic low back pain. Objective: To verify the short-term effect of physical exercise for the spine in individuals with chronic low back pain. Methodology: Individuals aged between 20 and 70 with chronic low back pain were recruited. Screening was carried out using the START-BACK Screening Tool. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-bref and its six domains: physical, psychological, environmental, social relations, religious aspects and level of independence. The treatment protocol consisted of specific exercises for the spine, totaling eight sessions. Results: A total of 21 volunteers, 12 women (57.14%) and 9 men (42.86%) with a mean age of 42.9, had an overall mean WHOQOL-bref module score of 87.14 ± 12.84 pre-treatment and 87.43 ± 10.59 post-treatment (p = 0.86). The mean Physical Quality of Life score was 12.27 ± 2.52 pre-treatment and 13.41 ± 2.52 post-treatment (p = 0.02). The mean scores for the Quality of Life Psychological domain pre and post-intervention were 13.81 ± 2.17 and 14.57 ± 2.41 (p = 0.01). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant short-term improvement in total quality of life and in the physical and psychological domains of patients with chronic low back pain.