Algometric and functional profile of patients with low back pain treated at a physiotherapy outpatient clinic as part of a therapeutic resource development project

Abstract

Objective: To delineate the algometric and functional profile of patients with low back pain as part of a therapeutic resource project. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of quantitative character, in which 40 individuals diagnosed with low back pain participated. Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale and digital algometry, trunk flexibility through the Sit and Reach test, and the level of disability by the Roland-Morris Questionnaire. Results: Among the 40 participants evaluated, 15 were men and 25 women, with a mean age of 46.67 years. The total mean recorded by the Visual Analog Scale was 3.7 and in the digital algometric evaluation the total mean was 3.64 Kg/cm².^. In the disability assessment, the mean score was 12.35 with a high positive correlation with pain levels, and a high negative correlation with trunk flexibility. Conclusion: It was possible to observe potentially useful results for the study of symptoms and functional repercussions of low back pain, and on the improvement of the means of treatment of this condition, basing the definition of requirements in the development of a therapeutic resource.