Is type of work associated with physical activity and sedentary behaviour in women with fibromyalgia? A cross-sectional study from the al-Ándalus project

Levels of sedentary behaviour in people with fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Sedentary behaviour is associated with pain, fatigue, and a more severe impact of the disease in fibromyalgia, independently of physical activity levels. Despite this knowledge, little attention has been attributed to estimate sedentary behaviour in this population. The aims of this meta-analysis were to: (a) establish the pooled mean time spent sedentary, (b) investigate moderators of sedentary levels, and (c) explore differences with age- and gender-matched general population controls in people with fibromyalgia (PwF).

METHODS

Two independent authors searched major databases until 1 December 2022. A random effects meta-analysis was performed. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed with the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies.

RESULTS

Across 7 cross-sectional studies of fair methodological quality, there were 1500 patients with fibromyalgia (age range = 43-53 years). PwF spent 545.6 min/day (95% CI = 523.7-567.5, p < 0.001, N = 3) engaging in sedentary behaviour. Self-reported questionnaires overestimate sedentary levels with 314.3 min/day (95% CI = 302.0-326.6, p = 0.001, N = 2). PwF spent 36.14 min/day (95% CI = 16.3-55.9, p < 0.001) more in sedentary behaviour than general population controls.

CONCLUSIONS

PwF are more sedentary than the general population. The limited available data should however be considered with caution due to substantial heterogeneity.

Physical activity correlates in people with fibromyalgia: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Understanding the enablers of and barriers to physical activity (PA) participation in people with fibromyalgia (PwF) is an essential first step to developing effective PA interventions. This systematic review examined correlates of PA across the socio-ecological model (i.e., intra-personal, inter-personal, environmental, and policy level) in PwF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched from inception until 12 July 2022. Keywords included "physical activity" or "exercise" and "fibromyalgia" or "fibrositis." Summary coding was used to quantify the PA correlates.

RESULTS

Out of 74 PA correlates retrieved from 39 articles (n = 9426), co-morbid depression and higher pain intensity were found to be consistent (i.e., reported in four or more articles) barriers to PA in PwF, while higher self-efficacy and better endurance were found to be consistent enablers to PA. Despite the abundance of evidence for the PA benefits for PwF, we only found consistent evidence for PA correlates at the intrapersonal level.

CONCLUSIONS

Health professionals should consider mental and physical health barriers when promoting PA in PwF. There remains a need to better understand social, environmental, and policy-related factors associated with PA participation in PwFImplications for rehabilitationCo-morbid depression is a notable barrier to physical activity participation in people with fibromyalgia.Experienced pain intensity should be considered as a barrier when promoting physical activity for people with fibromyalgia.Rehabilitation professionals should facilitate self-efficacy in physical activity interventions for people with fibromyalgia.Rehabilitation professionals should promote endurance when motivating people with fibromyalgia towards an active lifestyle.

Correlates of sedentary behavior in people with fibromyalgia: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the correlates of sedentary behavior (SB) is important in the development of interventions which reduce and interrupt SB in people with fibromyalgia (PwF). This systematic review aimed to investigate the correlates of SB in PwF using the socio-ecological model.

METHODS

Three databases (Embase, CINAHL and PubMed) were search from inception until July 21, 2022 using "sedentary" or different types of SB and "fibromyalgia" or "fibrositis" as keywords. The data collected was then analyzed using summary coding.

RESULTS

Out of 23 SB correlates retrieved from 7 reports (n = 1698), no correlates were consistently reported (ie, reported in 4 or more studies). Higher pain intensity was the most commonly reported barrier for reducing/interrupting SB (reported in 3 reports). Other reported barriers to reducing/interrupting SB were experiencing physical and mental fatigue, a more severe disease impact, and a lack of motivation to be physically active (all reported in 1 study). A better experienced social and physical functioning and more vitality were facilitators for reducing/interrupting SB (all reported in 1 study). To date, in PwF no correlates of SB at the interpersonal, environmental and policy levels have been explored.

CONCLUSION

Research on correlates of SB in PwF is still in its infancy. The current preliminary evidence suggests that clinicians should consider physical and mental barriers when aiming to reduce or interrupt SB in PwF. Further research on modifiable correlates at all levels of the socio-ecological model is required to inform future trials aiming to modify SB in this vulnerable population.

Does work have to be so painful? A review of the literature examining the effects of fibromyalgia on the working experience from the patient perspective

Background

Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, adversely affect individuals’ abilities to work.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine, from the perspective of patients, the effects that fibromyalgia symptoms had on their ability to work, the challenges that they encountered in the workplace that did not foster their continued employment, and the types of modifications to their work or workplace that they thought would facilitate their productivity and ability to work.

Methods

A scoping review method, applying techniques of systematic review, was used to conduct a research synthesis of the literature regarding fibromyalgia and work that looked at this issue from the patient perspective.

Results

A variety of themes emerged from the analysis and could be broadly categorized into (1) the work experience was a challenging one with which to cope; (2) relationships were strained at work; (3) clinical symptoms had repercussions on subjects’ attitudes toward work and the relation to life outside of work; and (4) a variety of possible solutions were considered to help subjects better cope with fibromyalgia and work.

Conclusions

Strategies that potentially could foster continued employment of patients with fibromyalgia include those at the micro, meso, and macro levels. Health care providers can support patients’ employment goals by collaborating with patients and their employers, dispelling stigma regarding the illness, and providing practical and specific advice regarding workplace accommodations.