Factors predicting health-enhancing physical activity in patients with chronic widespread pain following a person-centred health plan.

TL;DR

In patients with chronic widespread pain, 62% achieved WHO-recommended physical activity levels after 12 months following person-centred health plans. Higher baseline activity and positive experiences of physical relaxation during activity were significant predictors of achieving recommended activity levels.

Key findings

• Person-centred health plans with physical activity support are feasible for improving long-term activity in chronic widespread pain populations
• Baseline physical activity level and perceived physical relaxation during activity are independent predictors of achieving WHO recommendations
• Participants with negative experiences of physical activity may require more intensive or tailored support strategies
• Both digital platform and telephone-based support approaches showed modest improvements in physical activity adherence over 12 months

Why this matters at the bedside

Identifies modifiable factors (experience of relaxation during activity) and baseline characteristics that can guide patient selection and stratification for activity promotion programs in chronic widespread pain management.