The role of symptoms and self-efficacy in predicting physical activity change among older adults with arthritis.

Sperber N, Hall KS, Allen K, DeVellis BM, Lewis M, Callahan LF. The role of symptoms and self-efficacy in predicting physical activity change among older adults with arthritis. Journal of physical activity & health. 2014 Mar 1; 11(3):528-35.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• IIR 10-126 – Patient and Provider Interventions for Managing Osteoarthritis in Primary Care

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Physical and psychological symptoms limit physical activity for people with arthritis. This study examined if self-efficacy mediated a relationship between symptom and physical activity (PA) frequency change. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of older adults with arthritis and joint pain in a trial of a lifestyle PA program (n = 339). Measures were depressive symptoms, pain, fatigue, arthritis self-efficacy, PA self-efficacy, and PA frequency. A panel model was used to analyze relationships at baseline and changes at 20 weeks. RESULTS: The mean age was 68.8 years. At baseline, depression and fatigue were associated with arthritis self-efficacy (ß = -.34 and -.24) and, in turn, PA self-efficacy (ß = .63); PA self-efficacy was associated with PA (ß = .15). Pain and depression changes were associated with arthritis self-efficacy change (ß = -.20 and -.21) and, in turn, PA self-efficacy (ß = .32) change; PA self-efficacy change was associated with PA change (ß = .36). CONCLUSION: Change in symptom severity affected change in PA frequency. These relationships appeared to operate through self-efficacy. Over time, pain appeared to have a stronger relationship than fatigue with self-efficacy and PA. These findings support strategies to help people with arthritis strengthen their confidence for symptom coping and PA participation.