Impact of musculoskeletal impairments on functional status of considered healthy people

• Autor(a) principal: Pereira, Joana Mónica Ferreira
• Data de Publicação: 2022
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://hdl.handle.net/10773/38338
• topic: Musculoskeletal impairment; Functional status; Functional tests

Musculoskeletal impairments represent a huge burden on the health of people around the world, as they affect the structure and function of muscles, bones and joints, which triggers changes in movement patterns. These changes will lead to a decline in functional status, with consequent repercussions on quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the impact that musculoskeletal impairments have on functional status through four functional tests. This cross-sectional study was carried out in community institutions, senior schools, sports centers and day care centers, participants aged 40 years or older were included. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics were collected, musculoskeletal disorders were self-reported, and then, functional status was assessed. The functional status of the upper limbs was assessed with handgrip strength with a dynamometer and lower limbs was assessed with isometric quadriceps muscle strength with a handheld dynamometer, the 1-minute stand to stand test (1min.STS) and the 5 times sit to stand test (5STS). 545 participants were included in the study, of which, 56 (10.6%) had musculoskeletal impairment. The main factors associated with decreased functional status were being a woman, older age, high BMI and medication consumption. In conclusion, this study shows a relationship between people who had musculoskeletal dysfunction and a lower performance in functional status compared to those without impairment. It also demonstrates that age, BMI, medication, and sex differences influence the outcome of functional tests that lead to a decline in functional status. Physiotherapy can help raise awareness of this issue and the implementation of health programs, namely through exercise to improve people's function and quality of life over time.