Physical Activity and Exercise Experience in Spanish and US Men with Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Cross-Cultural Study

Physical exercise is an indispensable element in the multidisciplinary treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The present study examined if men diagnosed with FMS engaged in any type of physical activity or exercise, the perceived effects from exercise, and who specifically recommended exercise....

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Montesó-Curto, Pilar, Toussaint, Loren, Kueny, Angela, Ruschak, Ilga, Lunn, Shannon, Rosselló, Lluís, Campoy Guerrero, Carme, Clark, Stephanie, Luedtke, Connie, Queiroga Gonçalves, Alessandra, Aguilar Martín, Carina, Vincent, Ann, Mohabbat, Arya B.
Formato: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Recursos:Universitat de Lleida (UdL)
Repositorio:Repositori Obert UdL
OAI Identifier:oai:repositori.udl.cat:10459.1/464738
Acesso em linha:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186731
https://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/464738
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:Exercise
Fibromyalgia
Men
Physical activity
Experience
Descrição
Resumo:Physical exercise is an indispensable element in the multidisciplinary treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The present study examined if men diagnosed with FMS engaged in any type of physical activity or exercise, the perceived effects from exercise, and who specifically recommended exercise. A qualitative cross-cultural study was performed in fibromyalgia clinical units in Spain and the United States. A total of 17 participants, 10 men from Spain and 7 men from the US, were included. In Spain, a focus group was completed in two parts, one month apart in 2018. In the US, five individual interviews and one joint interview with two men were completed in 2018. Three central themes appeared in the qualitative data: (1) Understanding what constitutes physical activity or exercise, (2) Facilitating or discouraging the performance of physical exercise, and (3) Effects of physical activity or exercise on psychological and social symptoms. The actual practice of exercise by patients with FMS is often perceived as leading to pain and fatigue, rather than a treatment facilitator. Physical activity and exercise can provide benefits, including relaxation, socialization, and increased muscle tone. However, minor opioids limit physical activity as they cause addiction, drowsiness, and decrease physical activity in Spanish men. Recommendations in a clinical setting should incorporate exercise as well as physical activity via daily life activities.