Diferença de sexo na dor e sua relação com os aspectos emocionais em indivíduos com osteoartrite de joelho

Abstract

Introduction: Although the emotional aspects are considered important pain modulators, the difference and the relationship of this modulation between the sexes are still uncertain. Objective: To evaluate the painful sensation and emotional aspects in individuals with KOA, check sex diferences and the correlation between the variables. Methodology: 42 individuals (21 women and 21 men) with KOA and age ≥ 50 years were evaluated. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was used for pain measurement and questionnaires to assess emotional aspects. The independent samples t-test tested the hypothesis of gender difference in the PPT and the scores obtained in the questionnaires, while the Pearson correlation test verified the correlations between the PPT and the emotional aspects. Results: Women had lower PPT levels (5.82 ± 1.82) and higher scores on the questionnaires (14.06 ± 7.21) compared to men, respectively (8.46 ± 2.04) (10, 76 ± 6.33). Men showed correlations with PPT (r = -0.18 to -0.76) while women showed correlation with the questionnaires (r = 0.25 to 0.38). Discussion: Previous studies have shown that women have lower threshold and higher pain index, compared to men, corroborating the present study. However, there is no literary consensus about the gender difference in pain and its relationship to emotional aspects in case of KOA. Conclusion: Women in chronic pain conditions characteristic of KOA present greater pain sensitivity to pressure and weak correlation with emotional aspects.