Effects of an educational physical activity program on the burden and quality of life of caregivers of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: an approach based on Telehealth.
Caregiver; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, quality of life, physical exercise.
The caregiver is a key player in supporting the person with a chronic disease during their routine activities and medical schedule. Caregivers of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) suffer from intense waves of stress, overload, decreased self-care, and consequent deterioration in quality of life. The practice of physical activity has beneficial effects for caregivers, however, they do not seem to prioritize their own health, but rather, care. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, teleservice has been strengthened as an option for maintenance of treatments and assistance in care. Currently, there is no consensus on the best intervention for caregivers, so the objective of this research is: To analyze and compare the results of the application of a distance education program and an intervention with physical activity, via teleservice, in the physical and mental health of caregivers of people with ALS. This study consists of a randomized controlled clinical trial, the population will consist of caregivers of people with ALS, who will be divided into 2 groups: (1) experimental, which will participate in a care program, via telecare synchronously, involving several aspects of their life, including physical activity, and (2) a control group, which will receive an orientation booklet and telephone contact once a week about the same aspects. Participants will be evaluated regarding the level of stress, presence of depression, overload and quality of life, in addition, they will also answer a questionnaire regarding the level of physical activity and the presence of pain in their daily lives. The protocol will consist of an initial assessment, intervention (6 weeks), reassessment after the end of the intervention and follow-up after 30 days. It is expected to find positive results with improved measures in relation to the study outcomes in the experimental group due to its interaction with professionals.