Musculoskeletal pain, multimorbidity and associated factors in individuals followed at a physiotherapy service: cross-sectional observational study

Background:

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, significantly impacting quality of life and creating a heavy economic burden on society. In older adults, MSP is often associated with multimorbidity—the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions—which complicates clinical management and increases the risk of falls and functional decline. Despite its prevalence, MSP and its relationship with multimorbidity in patients seeking rehabilitation are often underestimated and require deeper investigation to optimize therapeutic strategies.

Abstract:

• Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 62 patients aged 50 or older admitted to a physiotherapy service in Salvador, Brazil. Participants were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) for general pain, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

• Results: The sample was primarily female (88.7%), with a median age of 67 years and high rates of overweight/obesity (81%) and hypertension (71%). Multimorbidity was present in 97% of patients. The median number of painful regions was 7, with the lower back and knees being the most affected (87%). Two-thirds of patients reported severe pain, with a median duration of 7.5 years. A higher number of painful regions was significantly associated with female sex, falls in the last year, and greater interference in daily activities.

• Conclusion: The population studied is characterized by chronic MSP, high multimorbidity, and functional limitations. These findings highlight the need for integrated physiotherapy interventions that address the complexity of multimorbidity beyond individual joint complaints.

Keywords: Chronic pain, Multimorbidity, Musculoskeletal pain.

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• Data de Publicação: 12/09/2022
• Autores: Ana Francisca Ferreira, Jesús Enrique Patiño Escarcina, Dryele Teles C. Luz, Ruan Barbosa Souza, Eduardo Martins Netto