Questionários de atividade física são instrumentos adequados para avaliar a capacidade funcional de indivíduos com cardiopatias?

Abstract

Introduction: Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor for developing coronary artery disease and low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness has been considered a risk factor for mortality. Thus, different methods have been proposed to quantify it objectively. The cardiopulmonary exercise test is considered the gold standard for assessment of functional capacity, however many difficulties can paralyze you, such as time spent, the high cost, the need for resources and staff. Surveys of physical activity instruments are simple, safe and inexpensive, and may be the method of choice to estimate the functional capacity in situations where the maximum test is not feasible. Objectives: To evaluate, through a literature review of physical activity questionnaires are appropriate tools to assess the functional capacity of patients with heart disease. Methods: We performed a systematic search in June 2012 in Medline / PubMed, LILACS, SciELO and PEDro in English or Portuguese seeking articles published in the last ten years. Results: Eight articles that assessed the criterion validity of seven different physical activity questionnaires met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Conclusion: The determination of the functional capacity is a very complex process, not having a measurement entirely satisfactory. The QAF provide important information about the functional status of the patient and may be useful as a supplement, but not replace the direct measure of functional capacity.