EXERCÍCIO RESISTIDO, ANSIEDADE E DEPRESSÃO EM PORTADORES DE ESCLEROSE MÚLTIPLA

Abstract

The benefits of performing resistance exercises are long known, and the participation on this type of exercise by Multiple Sclerosis patients is not contra-indicated if properly oriented and supervised. However, participation in such exercises and in physical activity in general promotes fear and insecurity in these patients. The aim of this research was to verify the depression and anxiety level of Multiple Sclerosis patients regarding their participation on resistance exercises; to verify anxiety impact about performing resistance exercises; and to grade insecurity factor regarding participation on resistance exercises of Multiple Sclerosis patients. Thirty Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed patients were assessed and responded to the following questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and also an adapted questionnaire. The results obtained with the inventories demonstrated that 66.6% of the patients did not present any type of depression, and 66% presented moderate level of anxiety in both STAI-Trait and STAI-State. Regarding their participation in physical activity, it was observed that 86.6% of these patients did not participated in any type of activity, and only 13% were engaged in physical activity. A great portion of the patients who did not participate in physical activities (46.6%) were counseled not to do so by a health professional. It was concluded that most patients presented moderate level of anxiety and no types of depression, and insecurity when performing exercises, especially resistance exercises.