Efeito de um programa de exercício funcional associado à terapia laser de baixa intensidade na dor, capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com fibromialgia: ensaio clínico randomizado duplo-cego

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia is a disease that presents chronic and diffuse musculoskeletal pain associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive problems and low levels of physical conditioning. Recent studies have shown good results both with the practice of functional exercises or with the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to reduce the symptoms of this population. However, no evidence was found associating both forms of therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Objective: To investigate the effects of a LLLT associated with an exercise program on pain, functional capacity and quality of life of individuals with fibromyalgia. Methods: It was performed a randomized, double-blind clinical trial with 22 women randomly divided into two blocked groups: placebo group (n = 11) who went through a functional exercise program associated with placebo LLLT and the laser group (n = 11), who underwent the same functional exercise program associated with active TLBI. The exercise program occurred in two months and three times a week. The LLLT (808nm; 100mW; 4J e 142,85 J/cm2 per point) was applied right after each exercise program session in different points of quadriceps (8), hamstrings (6) and sural tríceps (3), bilaterally. Both groups were submitted to an evaluation of pain (sites, intensity and threshold), functional capacity (balance, functional tests), muscle performance (flexibility and isokinetic variables), depression and quality of life, before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 adopting a 95% confidence interval. Results: It was observed that there was a reduction of pain and depression levels and an improvement of functional capacity, muscular performance and quality of life in both groups (p<0.05), but with no significant differences among them (p>0.05). Conclusion: The functional exercise program was effective on pain relief, better functional capacity and quality of life of individuals with fibromyalgia. However, LLLT did not promote an increase on the positive effects caused by the exercise.