Avaliação da capacidade funcional de mulheres idosas com osteoartrite do joelho e sua relação com quedas

Abstract

The maintenance of functional capacity is na important issue for healthy aging. Elderly women with knee osteoarthritis have more difficulties accomplishing their household tasks and are more subject to functional loss and falling. This study had as an objective to evaluate the functional capacity of elderly women with knee osteoarthritis focussing on its relation to reports of falling. Forty six women, aged 60, diagnosed on knee osteoarthritis, participated in the study. They were separated into two groups: non-fallers and fallers. A questionnaire with socio-demographic and clinical questions was used and to evaluate the pain, rigidity and the functional capacity, the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Physical Performance Test Modified (PPTM) were utilized. The data were analysed using the Spearman correlation coefficient, multivariate binary logistic analyses and the qui-square test. In the non-fallers group there was an inverted correlation on the item climbing stairs with the subscales of pain, rigidity and physical function; concerning the item turning 360o with subscales of pain and physical function and the item walking with the subscale of physical function. In the fallers group, there was a negative correlation between the function climbing stairs and the subscale of pain, the items book and climbing and descending stairs with subscale of physical function. The report of falling was correlated to the function turning 360o (p=0,05) and the subscale of pain (p=0,01). There were no significant difference between the groups in the operational items evaluated, however, the elderly with osteoarthritis showed a probability two times greater of falling. These results indicate that both groups need a interventions, including specific physiotherapeutic approach to avoid new falls and its complications.