Predictors of Physical Activity in Patients With Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Background/Objective: The aim of this study was to identify psychological factors that influence moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) participation in patients with fibromyalgia. Methods:In this secondary data analysis, 170 patients received personalized exercise plans and completed baseline and follow-up assessments of self-reported physical activity at weeks 12, 24, and 36. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the predictive strengths of psychological factors (exercise self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and intention) on MVPA participation.Results: Using a threshold increase in MVPA of 10 or greater metabolic equivalent hours per week (MET h/wk), 3 groups were defined based on subjects who achieved a minimum increase of 10 MET h/wk that was sustained for at least 12 weeks (SUS-PA), achieved an increase of 10 MET h/wk that was not sustained for at least 12 weeks (UNSUS-PA), and did not achieve an increase of 10 MET h/wk (LO-PA). Increases in exercise self-efficacy and intention and reductions in perceived barriers were associated with increased volume of PA, showing the greatest change in the SUS-PA, followed by UNSUS-PA. For the LO-PA group, there was no change in exercise selfefficacy, a decrease in intention, and an increase in barriers. Using path analysis, exercise self-efficacy and perceived barriers were associated with higher volumes of physical activity via greater intention to engage in MVPA. Conclusions:For patients with fibromyalgia, exercise self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and intention to exercise are important constructs for increasing physical activity. Our findings provide guidance for practitioners who seek to promote physical activity in fibromyalgia and suggestions for researchers aiming to improve prediction models.

Motivational Determinants of Objective Physical Activity in Women with Fibromyalgia Who Attended Rehabilitation Settings

“…Therefore, these findings underlined the relevance in undertaking a therapeutic strategy focused on increasing personal control, such as PA self-efficacy. Our results support previous ones in fibromyalgia about the role of self-efficacy in exercise using self-reported measures [ 39 ].…”

“…There is evidence about the role of self-efficacy on physical activity and exercise in both clinical and non-clinical contexts [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Moreover, self-efficacy is the main factor in affecting psychological and physical functioning in chronic pain patients [ 37 , 38 ] and predicting exercise and physical activity in fibromyalgia [ 39 , 40 ].…”

When It Hurts, a Positive Attitude May Help. The Moderating Effect of Positive Affect on the Relationship Between Walking, Depression, and Symptoms in Women with Fibromyalgia

“…Focusing on nursing, a recent study in women with FM has shown that, for these women, exercise self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and intention to exercise are important constructs for increasing physical activity ( Kaleth et al, 2022 ). The need to reduce barriers and promote more facilitators to help patients' pain management have promoted the inclusion of non-pharmacologic treatments in nursing care plans ( Liu, 2022 ).…”

“…By enhancing awareness of positive experiences such as walking, PA may increase access to new contextual information with which to reappraise current circumstances and reframe them as benign, meaningful, or even beneficial ( Flink et al, 2015 ). Navigating adversity through this "positive attitude" may ameliorate chronic negative emotionality, enhance self-efficacy of walking, and promote wellbeing by establishing a sense of coherence and meaning in life ( Hassett & Finan, 2016 ), all of which are important components of any treatment that may be included in nursing domains to improve treatment adherence in chronic pain ( Kaleth et al, 2022 ).…”

Addressing post-COVID-19 musculoskeletal symptoms through telemedicine: A study protocol

“…We will measure psychological variables related to pain sensitivity and other main signs and symptoms, such as kinesiophobia 29 and self-efficacy. 20,30,31 For this purpose, we will use the Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, in its Spanish-validated version 32 and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, also translated and validated in Spanish. 33 Finally, with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): scale that allows us to measure depressive symptoms and severity of depression in patients older than 13 years.…”