Associação entre o nível de atividade física e a prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em indivíduos com lesão medular oriundos das regiões norte e nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that generates great biopsychosocial repercussions on the individual and predisposes him to develop a poorly active lifestyle, which in turn is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In this context, the practice of physical activity (PA) may be a determining factor for the reduction of the risk of developing these diseases. Objective: To evaluate the association between the level of PA and the prevalence of NCDs in individuals with SCI from the north and northeast regions of Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out, evaluating 110 adult individuals (mean age 33.8 ± 9.8 years, 90% men and 10% women) with spinal cord injury at a referral center for rehabilitation and treatment of the sequelae resulting from this condition. Clinical evaluations and laboratory tests were performed to establish the diagnosis, lesion level and diagnostic definition of NCDs (diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension), assessment of the level of PA through the IPAQShort Version questionnaire and the anthropometric evaluation through abdominal circumference (AC). In the statistical analysis, the descriptive analysis of the variables was performed and the multiple logistic regression model was used to verify the associations between clinical variables, level of PA and AC values. Results: The results showed an association between having higher AC with the presence of dyslipidemia (OR: 3.18). They also showed that being physically active increased the odds of not having dyslipidemia (OR: 6.57) and decreased the chance of having a major AC equal to or greater than 94 cm (OR: 8.45). In the same way, they showed that physical inactivity is associated with a greater risk of having some NCDs (RP: 3.8). Conclusion: In view of the results, it was concluded that in the study population physical inactivity is associated with NCDs and that PA is associated with the absence of dyslipidemia and abdominal obesity, thus being a potential element in combating and treating these pathologies. Strategies for promoting physical activity and reducing body weight through changes in lifestyle should be part of public health policies and programs and potential partnerships between the public and private sectors, especially for individuals with SCI.