Osteoarticular and musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, quality of life and physical activity level distributed by age and gender in elderly people participating in a water aerobics program

Abstract

The study aims to describe osteoarticular and musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, quality of life (QOL) and physical activity level (PAL) distributed by age group and gender in the elderly. The design was quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional. The non-probabilistic sample, for convenience, comprised 101 elderly people, over 60 years old, who regularly participate in water aerobics activities in the municipality of Dois Irmãos, RS. The instruments used were: Multidimensional Pain Assessment Scale, Survey of Pain Attitudes, IPAQ and EUROHIS-QOL. Descriptive frequency analyzes were performed, which showed the predominance of women in water aerobics activities, most frequently in the age group of 70 years. Similarly, the presence of osteoarticular and musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain intensity (moderate and severe) were more expressive in females and in the age group of 70 years. The distribution of QOL and pain intensity in relation to age, gender and PAL shows in the age group of 60 years, the male, irregularly active with higher average, with higher occurrence of pain (moderate) in the active elderly. Active females, on the other hand, show better QOL scores and higher pain intensity in irregularly active aspect. In conclusion, the actions promoted by the municipality have a positive impact on QOL. However, there is a need for greater involvement of participants to achieve more adequate levels of regular physical activity, taking into account the significant presence of pain complaints in females and in the age group of 70 years.