Date sent:      	Fri, 29 Nov 2002 

Predictors of Exercise Behaviors among Fibromyalgia Patients.

Prev Med 2002 Oct;35(4):383-9

Oliver K, Cronan T.

PMID: 12453716


Background. Exercise improves the physical and psychological well being of
patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). However, exercise interventions
for patients with FMS have suffered from poor adherence. The purpose of
this study was to examine predictors of exercise for people with FMS.

Methods. Participants were 444 patients with FMS who were part of a larger
study. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted examining
exercise behavior at multiple time points. Discriminant analyses were also
used to identify predictor variables.

Results. Engaging in regular exercise and having higher exercise
self-efficacy significantly predicted continued engagement in exercise
behavior in people with FMS. Age, employment status, depression, education
level, self-efficacy for managing FMS, and the size of one's social network
also demonstrated predictive qualities.

Conclusion. Exercise self-efficacy and continued participation in regular
exercise most strongly predicted present and future exercise behavior in
patients with FMS. Interventions designed to train FMS patients in
initiating exercise programs while addressing exercise self-efficacy,
depression, and social support are warranted.