Prescrição do exercício físico para pessoas com lesão medular: revisão sistemática da literatura brasileira

Abstract

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) causes motor and sensory changes in individuals and, depending on the level and degree of the injury, it may limit physiological responses to physical exercise. Sport practice and strength training for the spinal cord injured bring numerous benefits that are perceived through improved performance of daily activities, promotion of physical and social wellbeing, and reduced incidence of clinical complications, favoring functional independence of individuals with SCI. To date, there is not much information on the prescription of physical exercises for these people in Brazilian scientific literature. The objective of the present study was to identify which studies in the Brazilian literature examine the prescription of physical exercise in people with SCI. Method. A literature update was performed in the Google Scholar and Scielo data bases, cross referencing the descriptors spinal cord injure, physical exercise, physical activity, exercise prescription, strength training, aerobic training, and weight lifting in the period between 1997 and 2017. Results. 13 studies were found, however, only 7 of them met the criteria of inclusion. Argumentation. Strength training fostered quantitative increase in muscular strength in the individuals with SCI, propitiating improved transferences, as well as better functional activities. The studies showed the importance of aerobic exercise to the control and reduction of arterial pressure in individuals with SCI. Final Considerations. However, it was observed a necessity to perform a study on the effects and benefits of physical exercise, as well as the importance of planning and monitoring of the physical activities