Experiences of receiving a prescription for physical activity - a qualitative study

Conference:

SAPC ASM 2016 - Dublin

Talk Code:

P1.32

Presenter:

Monica Joelsson

Co-authors:

Susanne Bernhardsson, Maria Larsson

Author institutions:

The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Physiotherapy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.

Problem

Physical activity plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain, but chronic pain may implicate a poor rehabilitation outcome. I was curious about how persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain experience receiving physical activity on prescription (PAP).

Approach

Interviews with 15 individuals analysed by using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach.

Findings

Four categories were identified with the overarching theme “Physical activity in chronic pain requires extra support”. There are several barriers for increasing activity level and these patients suffer from the additional burden of the pain. The categories were: “Identification of needs”, “Barriers and facilitators for physical activity”, “Varying perceptions of PAP” and “Effects of receiving PAP”.

Consequences

Despite the many positive experiences patients describe of receiving PAP, the results show that there is confusion about the role and execution of PAP. Chronic pain is an additional barrier for increasing activity level, and it is crucial to consider these patients’ circumstances. This study suggests that patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain have a greater need for individual support.

Submitted by:

Monica Joelsson

Funding acknowledgement:

The study was funded by the Local Research and Development Board for Gothenburg and Södra Bohuslän.