Prática de atividade física e fisioterapia em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the profile of physical activity (PA) and physical therapy in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods: Patients were recruited from two Outpatient Movement Disorder Clinics (Ambulatório Bias Fortes, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, and Centro Metropolitano de Especialidades Médicas, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte) between February and December 2019. Results: One hundred and eighty-five individuals answered a questionnaire with sociodemographic profiles, medical conditions, and the practice of PA and physical therapy. When comparing individuals from the two centers, differences were only observed concerning the frequency of comorbidities. Arterial hypertension proved to be the most prevalent comorbidity. Only 37.8% and 20.5% of the individuals reported practicing PA or physical therapy, respectively. Walking was the most common physical activity. Sedentary patients were older, had lower levels of education, presented a longer duration of PD, and were more affected by other comorbidities, when compared to more physically active patients.Conclusion: The present study shows the influence of age, education, and PD time on adherence to the practice of PA and physical therapy. Public health initiatives are needed to promote behavioral change and improve PA opportunities among individuals with PD.