Pain-Related Worrying and Goal Preferences Determine Walking Persistence in Women with Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Physical activity and exercise are relevant behaviors for fibromyalgia health outcomes; however, patients have difficulties undertaking and maintaining an active lifestyle. With a cross-sectional design, this study explored the role of pain-related worrying and goal preferences in the walking persistence of women with fibromyalgia. The sample included 111 women who attended a tertiary health setting. We adapted the Six-Minute Walk Test where participants decided either to stop or continue walking in five voluntary 6 min bouts. Women who were categorized higher in pain-related worrying reported higher preference for pain avoidance goals (t = −2.44, p = 0.02) and performed worse in the walking task (LongRank = 4.21; p = 0.04). Pain avoidance goal preference increased the likelihood of stopping after the first (OR = 1.443), second (OR = 1.493), and third (OR = 1.540) 6 min walking bout, and the risk of ending the walking activity during the 30 min task (HR = 1.02, [1.0–1.03]). Influence of pain-related worrying on total walking distance was mediated by goal preferences (ab = −3.25). In interventions targeting adherence in physical activity and exercise, special attention is needed for women who are particularly worried about pain to help decrease their preference for short-term pain avoidance goals relative to long-term goals such as being active through walking.

Correlates of sedentary behavior in people with fibromyalgia: A systematic review

“…Our data demonstrate that at the intrapersonal level of the socio‐ecological model, a better experienced social and physical functioning, better sleep quality and more vitality are facilitators for reducing/interrupting SB. However, it is often difficult to facilitate motivation for more PA in PwF when pain and related symptoms such as worrying and catastrophizing are present 43,44 . As indicated in the current review, lack of motivation to be physically active is a barrier for reducing SB.…”

“…However, it is often difficult to facilitate motivation for more PA in PwF when pain and related symptoms such as worrying and catastrophizing are present. 43,44 As indicated in the current review, lack of motivation to be physically active is a barrier for reducing SB. In these very complex situations where PA is less tolerated, PwF should be encouraged to at least interrupt SB by standing up regularly.…”

Methylation factors as biomarkers of fibromyalgia

“…FM lacks relevant specific laboratory tests and other ancillary tests, all tests and analyses will return normal results, and it has no known biomarkers (8). The etiology of FM remains unknown, and its diagnosis is clinical and not based on objective testing (9). Thus, little is known about how it can be effectively diagnosed and how clinicians and patients can use and understand biomarkers.…”