Beliefs about walking in fibromyalgia: the role of distress, fear of movement, pain and disability

Abstract

Background: From Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), other different variables from the constructs included in TPB could have a role on behaviour through beliefs. Our aim is to identify the external variables relevant to beliefs about regular walking. Methods: Self-reported measures of fear of movement, pain, disability, anxiety, depression and beliefs about walking behaviour were completed by 275 women with fibromyalgia. Correlation analyses were conducted. Findings: Positive behavioural beliefs: “it will alleviate my painâ€, “my health will improveâ€, “my mood will be betterâ€, “I will feel more active and agileâ€, “I will feel more positiveâ€, “I will be good to distract meâ€, “my circulation will improveâ€, “I will lose weightâ€, “it will strengthen my musclesâ€, “I will feel less contracted†were related to pain intensity, disability and distress (r = [-.17, -. 31]; p≤.01). Inhibitor control beliefs (“tirednessâ€, “being in painâ€, “My mood†and “having a bad dayâ€) were associated with pain intensity, disability, distress and fear of movement (r = [.17, . 48]; p≤.01). Discussion: The main characteristics of the fibromyalgia syndrome, pain, disability and distress, support beliefs about negative consequences of walking. In addition, together with fear of movement, they could be an important suppressant of activity by increasing the strength of inhibitor control beliefs. This study has been supported by MINECO (PSI2011-25152)