Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to observe the possible benefits of acupuncture in chronic pain and gait performance of oldest-old, people aged 80 and older. Method: The study population consisted of oldest-old with chronic pain. For the initial assessment of pain was used a questionnaire containing a figure with anatomical regions and intensity of pain referred by the participant. The evaluation of the gait performance we used the Zeno walkway that has electronic sensors pressure and evaluates various gait parameters. After 10 acupuncture sessions, pain intensity and gait performance were reevaluated. The sessions had a frequency of twice a week and treatment was performed individually for several protocols points according to the illness or pain reported by each patient. Results: Twenty-three oldest-old were initially enrolled, 16 completed the ten sessions of acupuncture and proposed assessments. In the final evaluation, the intensity of pain decreased in 12 of the 13 sites initially referred. In gait parameters, we achieved significant improvement in step and stride length, increased gait speed and cadence. Conclusions: Demonstrated with this study that the acupuncture treatment was effective in reducing chronic pain and improvement in gait performance of the oldest-old.
Highlights
The demographic and epidemiological transition in progress in recent decades in the Brazil are followed by the growth of the elderly population.[1]
The firsts results in AMPAL observed a significant frequency oldest-old with frailty syndrome (FS) and a significant proportion of them with chronic pain, changes in the balance and gait difficulties whose association is described as existing in relation to FS, this results in higher costs to health.[7,8]
Initially we looked at whether the oldest old would be able to perform the activities proposed in the research, ability to walk without assistance of another person, without communication
Summary
The demographic and epidemiological transition in progress in recent decades in the Brazil are followed by the growth of the elderly population.[1]. The firsts results in AMPAL observed a significant frequency oldest-old with frailty syndrome (FS) and a significant proportion of them with chronic pain, changes in the balance and gait difficulties whose association is described as existing in relation to FS, this results in higher costs to health.[7,8] Recently published guidelines, such as the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC), encourage the practice of acupuncture in primary health care (PHC) in Brazil This Brazilian policy contributes to implement experiences in the sector of traditional Chinese medicine and complementary therapies in PHC.[5,9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
