COMPARISON OF THE FREQUENCY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY ON QUALITY OF LIFE, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of the frequency of physiotherapeutic intervention on quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 40 patients undergoing treatment at the Physiotherapy Outpatient Clinic of a teaching hospital. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 received the physiotherapeutic protocol once a week for four weeks (totaling four sessions); Group 2 received the protocol three times a week for four weeks (totaling twelve sessions). The protocol included mat and studio Pilates, myofascial release, and elastic functional bandaging. Assessments were performed at the beginning and end of treatment using a visual analog scale for pain, the WHOQOL-PAIN quality of life questionnaire validated for Portuguese, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: Group 2 showed significantly greater improvement compared to the group that underwent the protocol once a week, confirming that more frequent physiotherapy ensures better psychophysical outcomes and functional-clinical improvement. Conclusion: Physiotherapy administered three times per week was more effective in improving quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic low back pain. Level of evidence I; Therapeutic studies - Investigation of treatment outcomes.