Efeitos da acupuntura na dor, fadiga e qualidade de vida de mulheres com fibromialgia

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by diffuse pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance, affecting mainly women. Given the limitations of conventional treatments, acupuncture appears as a promising alternative due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: To verify the chronic effects of acupuncture on pain, fatigue and quality of life in women with FM. Methodology: Quasi-experimental and quantitative study, carried out with 11 participants. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to quantify pain intensity, the Chalder Fatigue Scale to classify the level of fatigue and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire to assess their quality of life. Results: The average age was 46,64 years (±11,66). The average initial pain intensity was 8,73cm (±1,01), while 15 days after the intervention it was 3,36cm (±1,03), demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture in pain (p<0,001). The average score for fatigue was 50,82 points (±5,99) and after 15 days, 26 points (±6,40), indicating the reduction in fatigue with acupuncture (p<0,001). The average quality of life score was 78 points (±12,37) and, 15 days after the intervention, 33,40 (±8,97), indicating a significant improvement in this variable (p<0,001). Conclusion: Acupuncture is a promising intervention in reducing pain and fatigue, contributing significantly to improving the quality of life of women with FM. Therefore, healthcare professionals should consider including acupuncture in the treatment plan for people with the disease.