Atuação da fisioterapia no tratamento do paciente idoso com artrite reumatoide: revisão integrativa da literatura

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, present in many elderly patients, causing deformities and health problems, which result in a decrease in quality and life span of the individual. Objective: To analyze and compare studies that address assessments and physiotherapeutic resources in the treatment of elderly people with RA, with the aim of highlighting the benefits of interventions in this area. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review using the Virtual Health Library (BVS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) databases, published between 2012 and 2022. The inclusion criteria were: studies carried out with elderly people from both genders, patients with RA, where exercises, techniques, activities and assessments within physiotherapy stand out. Results: The final sample had a total of eight articles, addressing physiotherapeutic conducts and assessments directed at elderly patients with RA. It was evident in the selected articles the benefits of physiotherapy in relation to pain reduction, increase in palmar grip muscle strength, improvement of physical fitness in terms of aerobic capacity and resistance. And yet, the importance of the physiotherapist in the individual guidance of this population for better adherence to their treatment. Final considerations: Some aspects addressed are divergent in the results of the articles analyzed and some responses were not statistically significant, despite this, the benefits of physiotherapy in the treatment of elderly patients with RA are noticeable. As a limitation of this article, the small number of current studies published for free in the literature is evident, showing the need for greater attention to this area. [resumo fornecido pelos autores]