Explorando a adesão a exercícios domiciliares, autoeficácia para dor crônica e sintomas depressivos em idosos com dor lombar crônica

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition in the elderly. Therapeutic exercises have been recommended for the treatment of CLBP, but adherence to them is difficult among the elderly. There are few studies that observe exercise adherence in elderly people with CLD and factors related to it. Objective: to investigate the behavior of adherence to home exercises, as well as to characterize the self-efficacy for chronic pain and depressive symptoms in elderly people with chronic low back pain who adhered, and who did not adhere to this exercise program. Methods: secondary analysis through a cross-sectional observational study of the feasibility study "Integration of a physical activity program and mobile technology to reduce pain and disability in elderly people with chronic low back pain". aged 60 years, of both sexes, with low back pain for 3 months or more, a score greater than 3 on the START Back Screening Tool (SBST) and who participated in the exercise intervention group. the Exercise Adherence Assessment Scale (EARS), self-efficacy through the Self-Efficacy Scale for Chronic Pain (AED) and depressive symptoms with the Depression Scale of the Center for Epidemiological Studies. In addition, the sample was characterized by sociodemographic and health variables such as back and leg pain intensity. Result: In total, 20 elderly people participated in the study. Of these, 75% demonstrated satisfactory adherence to home exercises, with a mean of 19.1 (± 4.93) in 24 points. The most frequent facilitators of adherence were self-confidence to perform the exercises and the desire to improve health status, while the most prevalent barrier was the onset of pain during exercise. In this sample, self-efficacy for chronic pain showed moderate levels and the presence of depressive symptoms had a prevalence above 80%, both in elderly people who adhered to, as well as those who did not, to home exercises. Conclusion: Most participants showed satisfactory adherence behavior. The identification of barriers and facilitators in the study allows that more effective strategies for maintaining and improving adherence can be developed for elderly people with CLD. The values of self-efficacy and presence of depressive symptoms were similar in the adherent and non-adherent groups. Future studies are needed to assess the association between exercise adherence, self-efficacy for chronic pain and the presence of depressive symptoms.