Efeitos da terapia vibratória sistêmica nos níveis de dor, na rigidez, na função física e na qualidade de vida de mulheres com osteoartrite de joelho e obesidade

Abstract

The association between obesity and knee osteoarthritis is well described. Women are affected by both clinical conditions more than men. In this way, reduced physical function and increased pain can lead to reduced quality of life. The present study aimed to evaluate effects of systemic vibratory therapy (SVT) in the sitting position on pain level, stiffness, physical function and quality of life in women. A study was carried out with pre-test and post-test analysis of a single group of women with knee osteoarthritis and obesity. SVT was performed twice a week for five weeks. The variables studied were the level of pain, joint stiffness, physical function and quality of life. The instruments used to evaluate the variables were the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG test) and the Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The assessments were performed before the start of the intervention protocol with SVT and after the last session. A vibrating platform (VP) was used with alternate displacement of the base and the individuals remained in a sitting position (with knees flexed from 900 to 1100) in an auxiliary chair (with height adjustment) positioned in front of the VP during the intervention. Frequencies (from 5 to 14Hz), peak-to-peak displacements (from 2.5 to 7.5 mm) and peak accelerations (from 0.12 g to 2.95 g) were used in the intervention. Seventeen women (45-76 years old; 39±6.6) with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and obesity were evaluated. After five weeks, there was a statistically significant reduction on pain level (p<0.000), stiffness (p=0.030) and improvement in physical function (p=0.014) demonstrated by the WOMAC questionnaire. TUG test time (p=0.050) and walking time (p=0.005) were reduced, and two SF-36 domains, pain (p=0.007) and vitality (p=0.007), also improved. In conclusion, the SVT protocol performed for five weeks, twice a week, reduced the pain level, stiffness and enhanced physical function, favoring aspects related to quality of life (pain and vitality) in women with knee osteoarthritis and obesity. These results indicate that SVT promotes effects that lead to physiological responses that improve the clinical conditions of patients with knee osteoarthritis and obesity, and may be a safe option as an exercise modality for the treatment of women with these symptoms.