Abstract
Objective:
To investigate the association between low back pain and functional capacity among non-institutionalized elderly persons.
Method:
A cross-sectional observational study of non-institutionalized elderly persons was performed. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) functional tests were used, together with the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ).
Result:
A total of 99 elderly persons of both genders were included. Kendall’s Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the RMDQ and the SRT scores for the act of sitting (p=0.001) and the act of lifting (p=0.028). Despite the statistical significance, these two variables were weakly correlated (r=-239;r=-163). The results also identified a statistically significant correlation between the TUG and SRT tests for the act of sitting (r=-222; p=0.003) and the act of lifting (r=-206; p=0.006).
Conclusion:
It was observed that most of the non-institutionalized elderly persons had good functional capacity. It is also possible to affirm that there is an association between low back pain and functional capacity.
Keywords:
Low Back Pain; Motor Activity; Quality of Life; Aging; Elderly.
