The influence of the physical activity level on the clinical curse of acute low back pain

Author(s)

Fernanda Gonçalves Silva

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Presidente Prudente. 2019-03-21.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia. Presidente Prudente
• Defense date: 2019-02-18
• Advisor: Diego Giulliano Destro Christofaro; Rafael Zambelli de Almeida Pinto

Abstract

Introduction: Acute non-specific low back pain can be defined as pain without a specific known cause lasting less than six weeks. It is estimated that about 90% of acute low back pain patients return to work within three months; however, many continue to have recurrence and / or persistence of symptoms. Although current evidence can not support a specific causal factor responsible for the occurrence of early episodes of low back pain, physical and psychosocial factors play an important role in the onset and persistence of this condition. Therefore, their understanding is essential in order to predict their influence in the transition to a chronic condition. Little is known about the influence of physical activity levels on clinical outcomes such as pain intensity and disability in patients with acute low back pain. Objective: This study aimed to: I) investigate whether patients with acute low back pain alter pain, disability and physical activity level after 3 and 6 months; II) to analyze the capacity of the physical activity level and individual factors to predict the pain and disability outcomes, after 3 and 6 months. Methods: Patients were recruited and evaluated from objective and subjective measurement instruments for physical activity, pain, disability in three moments. Data were analyzed using the Friedman, Wilcoxon test and through univariate and multivariate linear regressions for analysis of prediction of clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 112 individuals were evaluated, the mean age of participants was 35.91 (± 12.01) years. The measures of pain intensity and disability showed a statistically significant difference (p <0.00) when compared to the initial evaluation. There was no difference between physical activity assessments for the three moments. In addition, occupational physical activity was the only domain of physical activity capable of predicting disability at six months (B= 3.49, IC= 0.65 - 6.34, p<0,01). Conclusion: Our findings showed that pain and disability levels at three and six months were significantly reduced when compared to the initial evaluation and that occupational physical activity may negatively influence the clinical course of individuals with acute low back pain after six months of the initial episode. No predictive association was verified for the other domains of physical activity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/12246-5 - The influence of the physical activity level in the clinical course of acute low back pain
• Grantee: Fernanda Gonçalves Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master