Impact of physical activity practice on the functional autonomy of elderly people affected by Chikungunya

INTRODUCTION: The study explores the impact of physical activity on the functional autonomy of older adults affected by Chikungunya, a viral disease that causes chronic pain and limits joint mobility. Given the increasing ageing population and the risks posed by climate change in the spread of this infection, the study examines whether regular physical activity can help to preserve functional autonomy in elderly individuals affected by Chikungunya. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and comparative study was conducted with 54 physically active older adults. Participants were divided into two groups: one affected by Chikungunya and the other with no history of the disease. Variables such as the presence and intensity of joint pain were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the GDLAM protocol was employed to evaluate the functional autonomy of the participants. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: Although Chikungunya affected several joints of the elderly, particularly the knees and shoulders, the perception of pain varied according to the phase of the disease, being moderate in the acute phase and mild in the chronic and subacute phases. Both groups (affected and unaffected) showed similar performance in the functional autonomy tests, with no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Regular physical activity, regardless of the phase of Chikungunya, could help preserve functionality despite the disease's sequelae.