Relação entre dor crônica e funcionalidade em idosos praticantes de pilates

CONTRIBUTIONS TO HEALTHY AGING

Authors

Keywords:

Chronic Pain, Functionality, Older adults, Pilates, Quality of Life

Abstract

Aging is a global phenomenon associated with socioeconomic changes, increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and functional decline, directly impacting quality of life (QoL) and constituting an important public health issue. It is also related to increased physical and emotional stress, as well as high social and financial costs, especially when accompanied by chronic pain. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of chronic pain and its relationship with the functionality of older adults practicing Pilates in a studio in Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach involving 29 older adults of both sexes, selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Brief Pain Inventory, the Lawton Scale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The results showed that most participants reported chronic pain, although without absolute impact on QoL, with predominance of positive or regular self-perceived health. The Lawton Scale indicated a higher proportion of partially dependent older adults, although autonomy was preserved in several activities. Statistical analysis performed using Jamovi Cloud revealed a significant association between pain and interference in general activities (p < 0.05), while functional domains showed strong correlations among themselves. In conclusion, it is suggested that based on the results obtained, Pilates is a relevant practice for improving mobility, strength, and autonomy, and may contribute to chronic pain relief, functional gains, and the promotion of healthier and more autonomous aging.

Author Biographies

Lídia Maria Veras Pereira, Centro Especializado em Adultos e Idosos – CESE. Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil.

Holds a degree in Physiotherapy from the State University of Paraíba - UEPB (2023). Has experience in voluntary community outreach activities (Physiotherapy in the Community) addressing health and quality of life issues with groups of elderly people and pregnant women. Also involved in multidisciplinary projects such as ATIVAIDADE and Adolescendo. Has experience in outreach activities with individuals with Alzheimer's disease at the Neuroservice for Dementia Support (NEUROSAD). Experience in the sports field, working with CrossFit athletes and runners (2022). Completed Pilates training at the Virtus Institute (2020) and Cupping Therapy training at the Vivace Institute (2021). Was a volunteer monitor for the State University of Paraíba's monitoring selection process for the 2022.2 semester of the Physiotherapy in Rheumatology course (2022.2 and 2023.1). Currently works with Pilates for chronic diseases and the elderly. Is currently pursuing a degree in Chiropractic.

Alecsandra Ferreira Tomaz, Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil.

She holds a degree in Physiotherapy from the Federal University of Paraíba (1998), a master's degree in Production Engineering from the Federal University of Paraíba (2002), and a doctorate in Process Engineering from the Federal University of Campina Grande (2017). She is currently a professor at the State University of Paraíba, head of the physiotherapy department, and a permanent faculty member in the PROFSAÚDE program. She has experience in the areas of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, with an emphasis on rheumatology, gerontology, and public health. She is also a collaborating researcher at the Northeast Laboratory for Evaluation and Development of Biomaterials - CERTBIO.

Mirelly dos Santos Abilio, Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil.

Physiotherapist (CREFITO 314909F) from the State University of Paraíba (UEPB), Master's in Public Health from the State University of Paraíba (PPGSP/UEPB). She has experience as a substitute professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at UEPB, working in the areas of Collective Health, Family Health, and Occupational Health. Her interests include defending and popularizing the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). She has professional experience as a physiotherapist, working in primary and specialized care teams, and providing home care to the elderly. Her research interests include the Spatial Analysis of Neglected Diseases and the role of physiotherapy in Primary Care.

Cristiano Carvalho, Departamento de Fisioterapia. Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil.

Holds a PhD in Physiotherapy (2022), a specialization in Physiotherapy in Women's Health (2017), and a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy (2015) from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar). She was a direct PhD scholarship recipient from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) in the Postgraduate Program in Physiotherapy (CAPES Concept 7) at UFSCar. She is a Professional Specialist in Rheumatology Physiotherapy certified by the Brazilian Association of Traumatology and Orthopedic Physiotherapy and Rheumatology Physiotherapy (ABRAFITO) and the Federal Council of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (COFFITO - 2024). She completed a postdoctoral research internship at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Baixada Santista campus (2022-2025), funded by FAPESP. Currently, he is a tenured professor at the State University of Paraíba (UEPB) and leader of the Research and Technological Innovation Center in Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Disorders (NUPITREM). In addition, he is a specialist member and coordinator of the Special Rheumatology Group of ABRAFITO (2026-2027), a member of the Brazilian Association of Physiotherapy Education (ABENFISIO), a member of the Technical Chamber of Physiotherapy in Rheumatology of COFFITO, and a member of the national board of ABRAFITO as second treasurer. He works in the areas of Rheumatological and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, with an emphasis on biomechanics, isokinetic dynamometry, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and pelvic floor dysfunctions.

Downloads

Published

2026-07-30

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Proceedings of Gerontology [7th Portuguese Congress on Assessment and Intervention in Social Gerontology]

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Risomar Da Silva Vieira, Lídia Maria Veras Pereira, Alecsandra Ferreira Tomaz, Mirelly dos Santos Abilio, Cristiano Carvalho

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright and grant Actas de Gerontologia the right of first publication. Articles are published in open access under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits sharing, adaptation, and reuse of the content, provided that proper credit is given to the original authors and source.