Physical activity and pain among patients with rheumatoid arthritis – A cognitive approach

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe relationships between physical activity and beliefs about pain, beliefs about fear-avoidance and health locus of control (HLoC), and to describe relations between pain and the same three variables. Ninety-five patients were investigated using the Physical Activity Index; pain intensity on a VAS; the Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (PAIRS); the modified Fear-avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (mFABQ); and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales, form C (MHLC-C). Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR). Low levels of physical activity, moderate pain intensity, relatively strong beliefs in relations between pain and functioning, moderate fear-avoidance of physical activity, and attribution of HLoC mainly to health professionals were found. Self-reported physical activity was not significantly related to the outcome of PAIRS, mFABQ or MHLC-C. The odds for high-intensity pain was sevenfold (OR=7.09) with high PAIRS scores compared to low and threefold (OR=3.26) with high mFABQ scores compared to low. Our results suggest that pain in rheumatoid arthritis is related to strong beliefs in a relationship between pain and functioning and to high fear-avoidance beliefs, while physical activity does not seem to be related to those factors. HLoC is related to neither pain nor physical activity.

• Fear-avoidance
• health beliefs
• health locus of control
• pain beliefs
• physical activity