Dados do Trabalho

Título

Perception of physical therapists on the use of self-management programs for physical activity in post-stroke patients.

Resumo

Stroke represents the second worldwide leading cause of death and the third leading cause of physical disability. As a result of the long-term damage generated, the rehabilitation guidelines for stroke recommend that these patients be taught to self-manage their sequelae. Self-management is a comprehensive concept that can be used in the management of behavioral aspects such as physical activity. This study aimed to characterize the knowledge of Brazilian physical therapists about the application of self-management programs to increase physical activity in the routine of post-stroke patients. The sample consisted of physical therapists who had already treated stroke patients, who knew the concept of self-management and its applicability to increase physical activity in these patients. The answers were collected through an online questionnaire with closed alternatives. Five questions were answered using the Likert scale (1 to 5). The score of this scale was used to measure the importance attributed by respondents to questions related to the use of self-management. The analysis was carried out regarding the mean and standard deviation, to determine, respectively, the degree of importance and agreement between the professionals' opinions. Four questions were analyzed regarding the correlation between the choice of methods and the frequency of use of self-management. Of 56 respondents, 29 participants were within the criteria to compose the sample. Not knowing the concept of self-management was the reason for the elimination of 19 respondents. These professionals claimed to use self-management half of the time (44.83%) or almost always (51.72%). The main limiting criteria for self-management were cognitive impairment (96.55%) and physical activity tolerance (100%). About the resources to assess the patient during the physical activity program, the more technological means, such as the use of accelerometers, were less acceptable among professionals (17.24%) and fatigue was the most cited (100%). Thirteen minutes, three times a week and twelve weeks were the protocol indicated for the most participants on how to organize a self-management program. Brazilian physical therapists generally agree with the literature, except for some points of divergence about inclusion criteria in the program and the use of technologies for monitoring patients. These results can guide a future self-management protocol for physical activity in the post-stroke Brazilian population.