Factors promoting physical activity in women with fibromyalgia: a qualitative interview study

OBJECTIVES: To gain deeper knowledge of factors promoting physical activity in women with fibromyalgia. DESIGN: A qualitative study based on semistructured in-depth individual interviews. Analysed using qualitative content analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen women with fibromyalgia, age 38–65, recruited from a previous randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of person-centred progressive resistance exercise compared with relaxation therapy. SETTING: Interviews were conducted in a hospital setting. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in four categories: a desire to be physically active, finding the proper level and creating proper conditions, managing pain and getting it done. CONCLUSION: This study reveals several factors both personal and environmental, which promote the ability to be physically active when living with pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. The participants expressed that, although they had a desire to be physically active, they needed support and guidance from a professional with adequate knowledge to help them find the proper level of exercise. They also expressed a need for the professional to understand their preferences, and to use these preferences as a basis for creating the proper conditions, helping them learn to manage pain and supporting them in getting the exercise done.