O impacto do exercício físico no manejo da dor e melhora da funcionalidade em pacientes com dor crônica: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract

Aging and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases contribute to the high occurrence of chronic pain, a condition that affects functionality and quality of life. Recognized as a public health issue, chronic pain requires multidisciplinary approaches. Among non-pharmacological strategies, physical exercise stands out for its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving well-being. This study presents an integrative review of the effects of physical exercise on chronic pain and patient functionality. It is based on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and includes randomized clinical trials published between 2020 and 2025, sourced from PubMed, SciELO, and PEDro databases, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The search used DECS/MESH descriptors and the Boolean operator AND, following the PICO strategy. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, six articles were selected, involving adult patients with musculoskeletal chronic pain undergoing various exercise interventions. The results indicate that physical exercise is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and improving functionality in individuals with chronic pain. Different types of exercise demonstrated significant benefits for physical and emotional health, as well as quality of life, regardless of age or baseline condition. Based on the reviewed studies, it is concluded that exercise should be incorporated as a safe, effective, and complementary therapeutic strategy within a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive chronic pain management.