The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of low-back pain (LBP) and to identify the level of functional disability in elderly individuals in different populations. From January 1985 to October 2018, a search was performed using the following databases: Embase, LILACS, SciELO, Scopus, Medline, and the Web of Science. The descriptors were low-back pain, back pain, lower-back pain, prevalence, and elderly in Portuguese and English. Two independent reviewers conducted a search for studies and evaluated their methodological quality. The search strategy returned 2186 titles, and 35 were included in this review. The studies evaluated 135,059 elderly individuals aged between 60 and 102 years, and the prevalence of LBP ranged from 21% to 75%. The levels of functional disability, as well as functional difficulties, activities of daily living, and physical capacity, were identified in 60% of the studies. This review indicated a high prevalence of LBP in elderly individuals and functional disability that affects factors important for independence. However, the studies used different methodologies, suggesting that more studies be conducted with scientific accuracy, methodological quality, and low risk of bias to contribute to the proposal of preventive actions for elderly populations.

To investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and associated factors in the older adult Amazonia Brazilian community, a cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate 700 participants that were ≥60 years old. Pain intensity and functional disability were assessed using the Numerical Pain Scale and the Roland Morris Questionnaire, respectively, and their sociodemographic, clinical, and behavior variables were collected, i.e., age, sex, education level, socioeconomic level, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, health perception, and emotional state. The punctual prevalence rates of LBP were 42.4% (95% CI: 38.2–46.6%), and for the last 365 days, these prevalence rates were 93.7% (95% CI: 91.3–95.6%), the mean pain and functional disability scores were 6.17 ± 2.13 and 11.30 ± 6.07, and the moderate-to-severe disability was 39.7%. Pain and functional disability were associated with sex, chronic diseases, body mass index (BMI), physical activity level, health perception, and emotional level. In conclusion, the prevalence of LBP was high (for both punctual and the last 365 days), but the variables associated with being female, fewer years of schooling, sedentary behavior, diseases related to diet and the cardiovascular system, and impaired emotional levels had a higher level LBP, even though they considered themselves in good health. These findings can aid with coordinated efforts from government and health professionals to help manage and promote the prevention of LBP by considering the older adult population’s needs in the state of Amazonas.

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is the most frequent complaint in clinical practice. Electroacupuncture treatment may be effective; however, the supporting evidence is still limited, especially in older adults.ObjectiveThe current study is a randomized controlled trial that aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in older adults with LBP.MethodsA five-arm randomized controlled trial with patients and evaluators blinded to the group allocation. A total of 125 participants with non-specific LBP will be randomly assigned into one of five groups: three electroacupuncture groups (low, high, and alternating frequency); one control group; and one placebo group. The electroacupuncture will be applied twice a week (30 min per session) for five weeks. The primary clinical outcome measure will be pain intensity. The secondary outcomes include: quality of pain; physical functioning; perceived overall effect; emotional functionality; patient satisfaction; and psychosocial factors. Patients will be evaluated before the first session, immediately after the last, and followed up after six and 12 months to check the medium- and long-term effects.DiscussionAlthough electroacupuncture is increasingly used to treat LBP, there is no guidance regarding the parameters used, which leads to inconsistent results. Thus, the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on LBP remains controversial and requires more studies, especially in the older adult population.ConclusionThis is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of different frequencies of electroacupuncture for treating chronic LBP in older adults. This study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of electroacupuncture as an alternative treatment method for LBP and will entail wider debate about an appropriate acupuncture intervention in this population.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT03802045. Registered on 14 January 2019.

Comachio, pelos momentos de parceria e companheirismo, pois aprendi muito com vocês e foram importantes nesta jornada. A todos os amigos que conquistei em São Paulo, querido Wanderley Correia que me proporcionou vários momentos únicos e cheios de alegria, queridos Alex Chagas, Fábio Neri por serem pessoas que me alegram sempre, às minhas amigas do FLIMI que foram incríveis comigo, me aceitaram do jeito que sou e que fazem parte da minha vida. Às amigas queridas Thais Souza, Marina Nascimento, Carol Bras, Mariana Vitti, Amislaine Gambeta, Carol Ling, Priscila Mendes, Jessica Stephens e Gláucia Verena que são mulheres maravilhosas e dividiram dores, sorrisos, alegrias durante esta caminhada, que me ouviram, cuidaram e me deram o aconchego de conviver com vocês. Aos meus queridos Tina Sakaguchi, Karen Chang, Pamela Santana e Kevin Tai que foram pessoas que me ensinaram a ensinar e que sempre tudo dará certo no final. Por fim, uma pessoa que contribuiu para que eu conhecesse a Ciência e que eu poderia ser uma pesquisadora, o querido Renato Aquino, pois saiba que a semente foi plantada e não desistirei de semear nunca. Grata e muito obrigada a todos vocês! "Todo mundo é capaz de dominar uma dor, exceto quem a sente." William Shakespeare Esta dissertação está de acordo com as seguintes normas, em vigor no momento desta publicação: Referências: adaptado de International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (Vancouver). Abstract INTRODUÇÃO 1 JUSTIFICATIVA 4 OBJETIVOS ABSTRACT Souza IMB. Prevalence of low back pain in the elderly at Manaus city, Amazonas [dissertation]. São Paulo: "Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo"; 2018.Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a common symptom which affects people of all ages. In 2015, the global punctual prevalence of activity-limiting LBP was 7.3%, involved that 540 million were affected the any one time in this period. Is the worldwide cause principal of last years for disability and your consequences are growing together with increase and population ageing the population. Objective: To measure the prevalence of low back pain and to evaluate the intensity pain and the level of disability functional in the elderly residents in the Manaus city, Amazonas. Methods: Seven hundred elderly, both genders, residents in the urban area of Manaus. The primary outcomes were: LBP prevalence punctual and the last 365 days, intensity pain (Numerical Range Scale Pain), and disability functional (Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire). The second outcomes were: physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire -short version), Body Mass Index (BMI), self-reported diseases, years of study, individual income, health classification and emotional level. The data collection occurred between July 2016 and July 2017. The level of significance was established in 5%. Results: The punctual prevalence of LBP was 42.4% (CI 95% 38.2-46.6%) and the last 365 days 93.7% (CI 95% 91.3-95.6%). The intensity pain mean was 6.17±2.14 (moderate) and disability functional score with ³ 14 poi...

RESUMO A fibromialgia (FM) é uma condição de alta prevalência e que causa desconforto físico, sofrimento mental e comprometimento nas relações sociais. Assim, o autocuidado pode ser um aspecto determinante para melhorar a qualidade de vida de indivíduos com FM, pois está relacionado ao ato de se investir de poder. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o agenciamento do autocuidado de indivíduos com FM e verificar a associação do autocuidado com variáveis sociodemográficas, sintomas e qualidade de vida. Participaram do estudo 40 indivíduos com FM, que preencheram os critérios diagnósticos do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia de 2010. O autocuidado foi avaliado pela Escala de Avaliação de Agenciamento de Autocuidados Revisada (EAAA-R), a intensidade da dor dos pacientes foi verificada pela Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e pelo Índice de Dor Generalizada (IDG), enquanto a severidade dos sintomas foi avaliado pela Escala de Severidade dos Sintomas (SS) e a qualidade de vida pelo Questionário de Impacto da Fibromialgia Revisado (QIF-R). Utilizamos o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (dados paramétricos) e coeficiente de correlação de Spearman (dados não paramétricos), com nível de significância α<0,05. Os resultados mostram valores médios para o agenciamento do autocuidado (52,75±10,25), intensidade da dor (5,84±2,16), IDG (13,32±3,78), SS (9,30±1,68), e QIF-R (63,98±17,26). Houve associação do autocuidado com a classe social (r=0,391) e associação com domínios do QIF-R: função (r=-0,338), impacto geral (r=-0,315), sintomas (r=-0,332) e escore total (r=-0,375). O estudo sugere moderado agenciamento de autocuidado e fraca associação do autocuidado com a qualidade de vida e com a classe social em indivíduos com fibromialgia.

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is the primary cause of disability and absenteeism in the workplace, it is a complex multidimensional phenomenon with staggering social costs. These symptoms reduce functional capacity and limit both physical and psychosocial aspects of elderly life.ObjectivesTo identify the influence of LBP on the functional disability in elderly subjects.MethodsThe study was approved by Research Ethics Committee of Medical School at University of Sao Paulo, Protocol.CAAE.56709716.5.1001.0065. This a cross-secional study, 700 community-dwelling elderly participated, both genders,≥60 years old, and functional disability was measured using the Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire – Brazil version (RMDQ–BR).ResultsThe punctual prevalence of LBP was 42.09%, age 68.61±6.06 years old, women 78.14%, and the functional disability score assessment was 11.26±6.07. About responses frequently items (RMDQ-BR) were: I change position frequently to try to get my back comfortable (84%); I avoid heavy jobs around the house because of my back (75%); Because of my back, I try not to bend or kneel down (73%); Because of my back, I go upstairs more slowly than usual (62%); I walk more slowly than usual because of my back. (57%); Because of my back, I use a handrail to get upstairs (55%).ConclusionsThe data demonstrates that there is a relationship between DL and functional disability in the elderly. It has been verified that the constant change to the maintenance of the posture, the decrease of the walking speed, to climb stairs with assistance, and the accomplishment of the activities of the daily that require movements of flexion trunk or knee have been reported to be difficult to perform. These data may be useful in the development of preventive strategies by health professionals that aim to encourage changes in routine care of daily living activities.References[1] Hicks GE, Gaines JM, Shardell M, et al.Associations of back and leg pain with health status and functional capacity of older adults: Findings from the retirement community back pain study. Arthrit Rheum-Arthr.2008Sep 15;59(9):1306–13.[2] Pereira LV, de Vasconcelos PP, Souza LAF, et al.Prevalence and intensity of chronic pain and self-perceived health among elderly people: a population-based study. Rev Lat-Am Enferm. 2014Jul-Aug;22(4):662–9.[3] Nusbaum L, Natour J, et al. Translation, adaptation and validation of the Roland-Morris questionnaire–Brazil Roland-Morris. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2001;34:203–10.AcknowledgementsTo Capes for the scholarship.Disclosure of InterestNone declared

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease in the elderly. The signs and symptoms are degeneration of joint surface, pain, stiffness, swelling and decrease in physical function. Knee OA is the most common joint disease and more prevalent among older adults. Tai Chi Chuan is a safe exercise modality of Chinese origin, which may be a potentially in reducing symptoms.ObjectivesThe aim of systematic review was to identify the effects of Tai Chi Chuan in the elderly with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsThis systematic review was registered in Prospero (CRD42018098699). MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, Cochrane, Scopus, Scielo, Lilacs and Web of Science, were screened between May 2008 to May 2018 in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin language. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Tai Chi to control conditions were included. Two authors independently assessed risk of bias using the risk of bias tool recommended by Jadad index. Outcome measures included were pain, stiffness, muscular strength, functionality and quality of life.ResultsIn the search we founded 161 studies, MEDLINE (29), Pedro (58), Web of Science (17), Embase (29), Cochrane (6), Scopus (18), Manual search (4). Eight articles were included and seven showed the effectiveness of Tai Chi Chuan, being higher to the interventions of the control groups, consisting of self-care educational activities, or strengthening and endurance exercises of knee flexors and extensors. Only one study, that patients received a lower limb resistance training program, presented better results in pain, stiffness and physical function scores. Tai Chi Chuan was not associated with adverse events.ConclusionTai Chi Chuan was effective in improving pain, stiffness and physical function of sleep quality, in addition to increased speed and step length during gait, and strength gain of knee extensor muscles in elderly patients with knee OA. This systematic review found moderate evidence for short-term improvement of pain, physical function and stiffness in patients with knee AO. More high quality RCTs are urgently needed to confirm these results.References[1] Michael Wortley,Songning Zhang, Maxime Paquette, Erin Byrd, Lucas Baumgartner, Gary Klipple, John Krusenklaus, Larry Brown. Effects of resistance and Tai Ji training on mobility and symptoms in knee osteoarthritis patients. Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2013; 2: 209- 214.[2] Zhu Q, Huang L, Wu X, Wang L, Zhang Y, Fang M, Liu Y.Effects of Tai Ji Quan training on gait kinematics in older Chinese women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2016; 5: 297-303.[3] Pereira MM, Oliveira RJ, Silva MAF, Souza LHR, Vianna LG. Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on knee extensor muscle strength and balance in elderly women. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2008; 12: 121-6.[4] Lü J1, Huang L1, Wu X1, Fu W1, Liu Y2. Effect of Tai Ji Quan training on self-reported sleep quality in elderly Chinese women with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trail. Sleep Med. 2017; 33:70-75.Ackno...

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is an important health problem around the world associated with disability, high costs for the health system and work absenteeism. A recent systematic review estimated that in Brazil, the point prevalence of LPB in the elderly is 25%, superior to knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, being considered one of the most relevant health conditions in the elderly.ObjectivesTo measure the prevalence of LBP and kinesiophobia in the elderly, following the existing guidelines on conducting specific prevalence studies about LBP and to investigate the factors associated.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study and the total sample to be recruited is 513 individuals of both genders, over 60 years old. Pain was investigated at two different times: current and last year, and pain intensity was measured by Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Disability was measured using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire – Brazil version (RMDQ - BRA) and kinesiophobia was measured by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK).ResultsUntil now, 387 elderlies were interviewed, of which 77% were women and the mean age was 71.98 (±7.70). The prevalence of LBP was 76.23%, with a punctual prevalence of 72.54% and a 12 months prevalence of 93.22%. The mean NPRS score was 7.52 (±2.16), the mean RMDQ - BRA score was 11.32 (±5.35), and the mean of the TSK score was 43.78 (±7.50).ConclusionsPreliminary data indicate that the prevalence of LBP and kinesiophobia are high in this population. However, the level of functional disability due is moderate. There are few studies that approach these symptoms in the elderly population, and will serve as the basis for the creation of health policies.References[1] Hoy B, Bain C, Williams G, March l, Brooks P, Blyth F, et al. A systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain. Arthritis and Rheumatism2012;64(6):2028–2037.[2] Manogharan S, Kongsted A, Ferreira ML, Hancock MJ. Do older adults with chronic low back pain differ from younger adults in regard to baseline characteristics and prognosis?Eur J Pain2017;21:866–873.[3] Leopoldino AAO, Diz JBM, Martins VT, et al. Prevalência de lombalgia na população idosa brasileira: revisão sistemática com metanálise. Rev Bras Reumatol2016;56(3):258–269.Disclosure of InterestNone declared