Percepção das pessoas idosas com dor lombar crônica sobre um programa de tratamento baseado em exercícios físicos: um estudo qualitativo

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although physical exercises for elderly people are recommended as a treatment for chronic low back pain, there are still factors that motivate abandonment, including the reduction of symptoms and disability and personal issues. However, there are still many gaps in the literature regarding the individual's perception of the intervention. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions of elderly people with chronic low back pain about a treatment program based on physical exercises. METHODS: This is a qualitative study with an inductive content analysis approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. The eligibility criteria for the sample were elderly people aged 60 years or older, of both sexes, with non-specific chronic low back pain, who participated in a treatment program based on physical exercises for chronic low back pain, in a group, performed twice a week for a period of two months. After completing the treatment program, the elderly people were invited to a semi-structured interview, with open-ended questions previously prepared about LBP and physical exercises. RESULTS: A total of 15 participants agreed to participate in this study. The mean age of the participants was 71.4 (62-85) years, with eight male participants and seven female participants. Five themes emerged in the data analysis: the experience of the elderly regarding pain after the physical exercise program; perception of the duration and frequency of physical exercises; return of the ability to perform daily tasks; social contact and barriers to participation in the program. CONCLUSION: Finally, the elderly perceived relief from chronic low back pain with group physical exercises, in addition to the appreciation of socialization and engagement among the participants. However, the elderly understood that with more time and greater frequency of physical exercises, they could obtain better results and become more familiar with the treatment program. Therefore, it is understood that the perception of the elderly about physical exercise is associated with a tool for pain control and encouragement to avoid immobilization, in addition to allowing them to be in a pleasant environment with people who have the same problem.