O efeito dos exercícios físicos nas quedas e no medo de cair em idosos com comprometimento cognitivo leve: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to carry out a systematic review of the effects of physical exercises on the risk of falls, the occurrence of falls and the fear of falling in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment. Methods: Only randomized clinical trials were included in this review, with elderly people aged 60 years or older, diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment through cognitive assessment tests, such as the Mini Mental State Examination, whose intervention included any type, duration or frequency of exercise and that evaluated the risk of falling, the occurrence of falls or the fear of falling as an outcome. Articles published until May 2022 were searched in the electronic databases MEDLINE via ovid, LILACS, Cochrane Library, SciELO and PEDro, using the descriptors "fear of falling", "falls", "exercise", "cognitive impairment" , and similar according to the possibilities of each database. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using the PEDro scale. The results of this review were presented descriptively. Results: 170 articles were found, with only 6 articles meeting the inclusion criteria, totaling 636 participants with a mean age of 71.39 ± 6.17 years. The studies used interventions with different types and protocols of physical exercises, namely: balance training, exercises for muscle strengthening, muscle resistance, aerobic exercises and Tai Chi Chuan. In the control groups that received some form of intervention, educational material and cognitive exercises were used. In general, the studies assessed the risk of falling through changes in outcomes in physical and cognitive functions related to falls, the number of falls and fear of falling. Most studies found an improvement in balance, dual-tasking ability, mobility, fear of falling and decreased risk and occurrence of falls. Conclusion: This review demonstrated that physical exercises can contribute to reducing the risk of falls, the occurrence of falls and the fear of falling in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment. The importance of using a well-designed exercise program, performed with supervision and adequate frequency, is emphasized, and there may be greater benefits when associated with cognitive training. Others: This study was not funded.