Exposição a agrotóxicos: investigação de alteração do desempenho físico e fadiga em trabalhadores rurais

Abstract

In an attempt to elucidate the health-related risks, it is essential to adopt a broader perspective, including any environmental influence. Extensive scientific literature identifies pesticide exposure as a major factor associated with diseases, but its potential damage to musculoskeletal function remains largely unknown. Studies by the Research Group in Ecotoxicology and Landscape at the State University of Western Paraná indicate that self-reported muscle strength is lower in individuals chronically exposed to pesticides than non-exposed individuals. This dissertation work asked if individuals who had frequent and direct pesticide exposure exhibit changes in musculoskeletal function, physical performance, and fatigue. This is an exploratory, cross-sectional, and methodological study. In the first stage, a convenience sample was taken from a small agricultural municipality. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, focusing on those without restrictions when performing functional tests. Participants completed the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and provided blood samples to evaluate Plasma Cholinesterase (ChE) activity. They then underwent bioimpedance assessment, and performance during the Time Up and Go (TUG), Five Times Sit-to-Stand, and handgrip strength tests were quantified. These variables were compared between groups of men directly and indirectly exposed to pesticides (MD x MI) and women with and without direct exposure (WD x WI). Qualitative variables were assessed using the Chi-Square Test for Independence, while quantitative variables were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. An integrative assessment was also performed using Principal Component Analysis. The sample consisted of 80 individuals: MD (n= 30), MI (n= 14), WD (n= 17), and WI (n = 19). Men and women chronically exposed to pesticides showed lower handgrip strength compared to the indirectly exposed individuals (p < 0.05), with no differences in the TUG and Sit-to-Stand tests (p > 0.05). The integrative assessment showed similarities in body composition patterns among men (p > 0.05) but significant differences in physical performance (p < 0.05), with no significant effect of plasmatic ChE variation (p > 0.05). Among women, the integrative assessment demonstrated significant differences in body composition and musculoskeletal function (p < 0.05), with no significant effect of plasmatic ChE (p > 0.05). The study included two additional stages. The first stage aimed to develop a methodology for evaluating fatigability in individuals with direct pesticide exposure. The third stage involved applying this protocol to organic and conventional farmers. The results indicated that chronic pesticide exposure can negatively affect aspects of physical performance and performance fatigability without causing changes in plasmatic ChE.