Manejo não farmacológico da dor lombar crônica em idosos brasileiros: uma revisão narrativa

Abstract

Population aging in Brazil, as well as in other parts of the world, has repercussions for the health system, with the increase in non-communicable chronic diseases. Among the most prevalent chronic conditions in elderly Brazilians is arterial hypertension, followed by chronic low back pain (CLBP). CLBP directly affects the functional capacity of the elderly, but little is known about the management of this condition by physiotherapists in Brazil, given all the social, economic and health diversity of the country. Considering that the effective management of CLBP is crucial for the reduction of disabilities and the overload of the health system, this narrative review aims to know the scientific evidence available on the most used strategies in the physiotherapeutic approach for this condition in Brazilian elderly. METHODS: For this narrative review, the Scielo, Pedro, Google Scholar and Pubmed databases were used, in addition to a manual search of the bibliographic references cited in the selected articles. RESULTS: Five clinical trials published between 2015 and 2021 were chosen as the basis for this review. The studies were developed in the states of São Paulo, Santa Catarina and the Federal District. Among the most used strategies for managing CLBP are: the use of educational programs; conventional and aquatic kinesiotherapy; the Pilates; aerobic exercises; and strength training. CONCLUSION: The strategies used have positive outcomes in terms of pain and functional performance gain among the elderly. However, clinical trials with better methodological quality and that address the variability of the aging profile in our country are needed. A greater systematization of the CLBP approach among elderly users of the health system is suggested, to enable the development of evidence for clinical practice.