Physical activity and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.

Background: Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) has been linked to decreased social functioning, poor mental health, and quality of life (QOL). Increased physical functioning and activity can result in improvements in social, mental and overall health, as well as lowered depression and anxiety levels.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine physical activity levels and QOL amongst patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the Johannesburg region of South Africa.

Methods: The research design was cross-sectional. Descriptive and quantitative data were collected. FMS patients (n=38) completed an online questionnaire on the Google Forms platform. The questionnaire was comprised of four components, namely Demographics, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). During data analysis, descriptive characteristics and correlations were computed. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: Results revealed high FIQR scores (67%) accompanied with low QOL scores (<50% in all domains). There was no correlation between physical activity and FIQR, and physical activity and QOL.

Conclusion: High scores on the impact of FMS were associated with lower overall QOL scores. However, the relationship between physical activity, and the impact of FMS and QOL remain inconclusive.