Banca de DEFESA: PRISCILLA RIQUE FURTADO

Uma banca de DEFESA de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : PRISCILLA RIQUE FURTADO
DATE: 09/09/2022
TIME: 09:00
LOCAL: VIDEOCONFERÊNCIA - http://meet.google.com/hxm-jjtb-sbx
TITLE:

BACK PAIN IN AIR FORCE FIGHTER PILOTS BRAZILIAN: ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND EFFECTS OF AN EXERCISE PROTOCOL

KEY WORDS:

Exercise Therapy; Muscle Strength Dynamometer; Back pain; Risk Factors, Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PAGES: 73
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional
SUMMARY:

Introduction: International studies present data on the incidence or risk factors for low back pain in fighter pilots, however, in Brazil, this population still needs to be studied. With respect treatment, there is evidence that core stabilization, strength, and endurance training contributes to lowering lower back pain in general population. However, we are not aware of the effect of these exercises on fighter pilots with pain.

Objectives: Study I= To investigate the effects of an exercise protocol on low back pain in Brazilian Air Force fighter pilots. Study II= To analyze the prevalence of spinal alterations by means of Magnetic Ressonance Imaging (MRI) and to observe if the Cross-Sectional Area (AST) of the multifidus, the strength and resistance of the trunk muscles, are predictive factors for low back pain.

Materials and methods: Study I=Fourteen pilots with chronic low back pain were randomized into two groups: Stabilization exercise group (GEE-n=7, exercises twice a week for 12 weeks) and the Regular exercise group (GER – n=7). Assessments were performed before and after the training period. The primary outcome was low back pain intensity and the secondary outcomes were neck pain, functional disability, range of motion, maximal isometric strength and trunk muscle endurance. Study II= Twelve fighter aspirants performed clinical and MRI assessments at the beginning and end of the first year of fighter training. MRI was used to assess musculoskeletal changes of the lumbar spine and AST of the left multifidus muscles. Anthropometric data, work hours, physical exercise routine, intensity of chronic low back pain and disability were also collected.

Results: Study I= GEE had a significant reduction in low back pain compared to GER (2.28 point difference, p=0.01) at the end of the protocol. It was also observed that the strength of the trunk muscles was maintained throughout the period in this group, while the control group had a decrease in flexion strength to the right (difference: -3.71%, p=0.04). No differences were observed in disability level, range of motion or resistance to fatigue between the groups. Study II = Pilots with higher AST of the multifidus muscles at the beginning, had less pain at the end of the training year (r=-0.64, p=0.02). There was a high prevalence of changes in the spine by MRI at the beginning of the year, especially ligament swelling due to overload (83%). There was a decrease in trunk strength and resistance for extension at the end of training, however, performance was not a predictive factor for low back pain.

Conclusion: Study I= The specific exercise protocol for core stabilization proved to be effective in reducing low back pain in fighter pilots. Study II= Results suggested that multifidus AST is a predictive factor for low back pain in the first year of fighter flight and may be an important parameter for pilots ‘health monitoring.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1149610 - JAMILSON SIMOES BRASILEIRO
Interno - 1460020 - ALVARO CAMPOS CAVALCANTI MACIEL
Externo ao Programa - 2326009 - DINO LINCOLN FIGUEIROA SANTOS - UFRNExterno à Instituição - EDGAR RAMOS VIEIRA - FIU
Externo à Instituição - FRANCISCO LOCKS NETO - UPE