Nível de atividade física em indivíduos com doença arterial periférica: Uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

Background: Individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have reduced levels of physical activity. Studies on this subject have important methodological differences that vary in relation to the characteristics of the individuals, the instruments used to measure physical activity, the strategies employed to classify their level of physical activity and the outcomes measured. Objective: To describe the physical activity level of individuals with peripheral arterial disease and to analyze the influence of physical activity level in health parameters in these individuals. Methods: A systematic review of original studies published in English in MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO databases, up to 2010. Results: Of the 16 articles included in this review, 94% were published in 2000 or later. The accelerometer was the most frequent method used to quantify the levels of physical activity. Reduced levels of physical activity were observed in individuals with PAD, when compared to individuals without the disease. Among the individuals with PAD, the highest levels of physical activity were associated with better hemorheological, hemodynamic and body composition parameters. Conclusion: Individuals with peripheral arterial disease have lower levels of physical activity than individuals without the disease. Among individuals with the disease, those who are more physically active have better health parameters.