Efeitos de um protocolo de exercícios na capacidade funcional e cardiorrespiratória em mulheres com osteoartrite de joelho: um estudo quase-experimental

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition affecting joints, particularly in older adults and women, with the knee being the most disabling site due to pain, loss of muscle strength, and mobility. These limitations reduce musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory functional capacity. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) exhibit decreased functional and cardiorespiratory capacity. The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is widely used to assess these parameters. Objective: To evaluate the impact of an exercise protocol on the functional and cardiorespiratory capacity of individuals with KOA. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted as part of an extension project at the Physiotherapy School Clinic of FACISA-UFRN, in Santa Cruz, Brazil. Female participants aged >45 years with a KOA diagnosis, pain ≥3 on the Numeric Pain Scale, and no physiotherapy treatment in the last 60 days were included. Initially, participants were evaluated using measures such as the 6MWT and reassessed after a 5-week intervention protocol. Results: Following the intervention, the average distance covered in the 6MWT increased from 76.22% to 78.85% of the predicted 4 distance, and VO2max showed a mean increase of 2.42%. However, these changes were not statistically significant (p = 0.25). Conclusion: The 5-week exercise program resulted in slight improvements in distance covered and physical conditioning without statistical significance, emphasizing the need for longer studies with increased exercise volume.