Efeitos de intervenções da fisioterapia com fotobioestimulação e microcorrente na cicatrização e qualidade de vida de indivíduos com úlceras cutâneas: terapias isoladas e associadas

Abstract

Skin ulcers are a public health problem due to the high risk of infections and treatment costs, as well as prolonged and recurrent hospitalizations besides physical, social and labor disabilities. These wounds can result in functional limitations that compromise the productivity and quality of life of affected individuals, and even their relatives and caregivers. Faced with the problematic that cutaneous ulcers bring on health, the therapies that help these people are of great value. Some electrothermophototherapeutic resources used in physical therapy are pointed to as a form of treatment. In this scenario, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy and microcurrent, isolated and associated, on repair healing as well as quality of life of individuals with skin ulcers of different etiologies. Quasi-experimental study was based on the application of two electrothermophototherapeutic resources. This sample consisted of 9 patients who were treated for dressings from the Federal University of Santa Maria Hospital (Ambulatory B of Nursing) due to the presence of open lesions in the last five years. To perform the research, the patients were randomly allocated to three groups: Laser Group (GL, n = 3): treated with low-level red laser; Microcurrent group (GM, n = 3): treated with microcurrent; Laser and Microcurrent group (GLM, n = 3): treated with low-level red laser associated with microcurrent. All patients were submitted to a data collection and evaluation of tactile sensitivity (esthesiometer), pain level by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and quality of life using the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire; besides to make the record with ruler and photogrammetry to measure ulcer in centimeters followed by laser or microcurrent application. The protocol of the photobiostimulation or electric current or both was applied in patients. They were evaluated again with the same instruments in the 10th and 15th intervention. We evidenced a significant reduction in length as well as width of cutaneous ulcer in the 15th intervention. In this context, the wound area presented a significant reduction in the 15th intervention. In addition, there was improvement in quality of life of the patients already as from 10th session (p <0.05). In conclusion, the use of photobiostimulation and microcurrent applied alone and combined optimized the tissue repair of skin ulcers of various etiologies and, consequently, to provide a better quality of life for patients as well as to reduce in the wound area by improvement in healing. Taken together, these findings contribute to a better the therapeutic in benefit of the quality of life of skin ulcers individuals.