Research scenario in physiotherapy for people with human t-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV): scientometric study / Cenário das pesquisas em Fisioterapia para pessoas com Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV): estudo cientométrico

Abstract

Introduction: Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) is a sexually transmitted retrovirus that can cause chronic pain of moderate to high intensity, spasticity and weakness in the lower limbs, balance, gait, urinary and sexual dysfunctions. Physiotherapy is a treatment that has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms and signs. However, research on the topic is scarce. Objective: Outline the research scenario in Physiotherapy aimed at people infected with HTLV-1. Methods: Scientometric study carried through Medline, Virtual Health Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. The metadata regarding the studies were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The VOS.Viewer software was used for the analysis of quotes. Clinical studies were also analyzed considering meta-scientific impacts including analysis of conflicts of interest and methodological biases. Results: Initially 1160 studies were identified. After applying the eligibility criteria, 68 articles remained, of which 34 articles were observational studies, 21 on intervention, 9 on review, two on qualitative research and two on diagnostic accuracy. Brazil is responsible for 94.11% of the production on the theme. The sub-areas of Physiotherapy covered by the studies were neurofunctional and urogenital, using different exercise modalities, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, biofeedback and non-invasive neuromodulation. Conclusion: On the topic of Physiotherapy for people with HTLV-1, Brazil occupies a prominent place in scientific production. Research on the subject receives little or no funding, requiring free of charge publications in journals, which affects its visibility.