Physical activity and fibromyalgia. An approach to the intention to walkthrough the study of beliefs.

Abstract

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a frequent chronic problem to cause generalized muscular-skeletal pain, it is also often accompanied by numerous comorbid issues. Within multi-disciplinary approaches, aerobic physical exercise is recommended as a first line of treatment. Aim: To analyse the beliefs, from the perspective of the Theory of Planned Action, that are associated to the intention to ‘walk 2-4 time as a week, for at least 30 minutes, taking a small break, for at least six consecutive weeks’. Method: A longitudinal design was used with two time points (T1-T2), six weeks apart, with a sample of 275 (T1) and 219 (219) women with fibromyalgia. Results: The association between intentions and walking behaviour (t=-1.733, p=.086) tended towards significance. Statistically significant differences were found for positive behavioural beliefs (p=.004), negative behavioural beliefs (p=.008) and prescriptive normative beliefs (p=.002) between patients with high and low intention. Medical prescription to walk and the intensity of the perceived pain associate significantly with positive behavioural beliefs and with inhibiting control beliefs. Conclusions: The intention to walk according to the set pattern associated with positive behavioural beliefs that have to do with general positive health consequences, and not with a specific improvement of symptoms of fibromyalgia.