Psychological and Health Status Determinants of the Motivation for Walking as Physical Exercise in Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Background: Walking is recommended by experts to improve health outcomes in fibromyalgia. Our aim is to identify the predictors of walking intention in patients with fibromyalgia using the Theory of Planned Behavior and considering other fibromyalgia variables. Methods: 274 Fibromyalgia women of several patients´ associations completed a self-reported questionnaire based on the theory of Planned Behavior, pain-related fear, distress, pain intensity and fibromyalgia impact. Multiple regression analyses were conducted. Findings: Intention was predicted by Attitude (?= .29, p?.001), perceived behavioral control (?=.14, p?.05) and subjective norm (?=.13, p?.05) (24% of explained variance). Discussion: Only TPB constructs were relevant in the motivation of walking, mainly the attitude. Other emotional, symptom and impact variables were not relevant. Results are coherent with previous research except in the main predictor which was attitude and not perceived behavioral control. Supported by Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Grant: PSI 2011-25132).