scholarly journals Factors of importance for reducing fatigue in persons with rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative interview study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e028719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Feldthusen ◽  
Kaisa Mannerkorpi

ObjectivePhysical activity plays an important role in the treatment of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is the non-pharmacological intervention with the strongest evidence to reduce fatigue. However, physical activity can be challenging for persons who are fatigued. The aim of this study was to investigate factors of importance for reducing fatigue in persons with RA.DesignThis is a qualitative interview study based on semistructured, indepth individual interviews. Interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ParticipantsParticipants were 12 people with RA recruited from a previous randomised controlled trial of a person-centred treatment model focusing on health-enhancing physical activity and daily balance to lessen fatigue in persons with RA.SettingInterviews were conducted in a hospital setting.ResultsThe analysis resulted in one theme:an intellectual and embodied understanding that sustainable physical activity is important to handle fatigue. This included five categories describing barriers and facilitating factors for sustainable physical activity:mentally overcoming the fatigue in order to be active,making exercise easy,reaching for balance,receiving support to be physically activeanddealing with RA disease to be physically active.ConclusionThe participants in this study expressed that physical activity was important in handling fatigue, but also that this insight could only come from personal experience. The use of a person-centred ethic in physiotherapy coaching for patients with fatigue appears to promote sustainable physical activity behaviours by facilitating patients’ resources to overcome barriers to physical activity.

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e031693
Author(s):  
Anette Larsson ◽  
Caroline Feldthusen ◽  
Kaisa Mannerkorpi

ObjectivesTo gain deeper knowledge of factors promoting physical activity in women with fibromyalgia.DesignA qualitative study based on semistructured in-depth individual interviews. Analysed using qualitative content analysis.ParticipantsFourteen women with fibromyalgia, age 38–65, recruited from a previous randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of person-centred progressive resistance exercise compared with relaxation therapy.SettingInterviews were conducted in a hospital setting.ResultsThe analysis resulted in four categories: a desire to be physically active, finding the proper level and creating proper conditions, managing pain and getting it done.ConclusionThis study reveals several factors both personal and environmental, which promote the ability to be physically active when living with pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. The participants expressed that, although they had a desire to be physically active, they needed support and guidance from a professional with adequate knowledge to help them find the proper level of exercise. They also expressed a need for the professional to understand their preferences, and to use these preferences as a basis for creating the proper conditions, helping them learn to manage pain and supporting them in getting the exercise done.


2018 ◽  
Vol Volume 11 ◽  
pp. 133-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linn Karlsson ◽  
Björn Gerdle ◽  
Esa-Pekka Takala ◽  
Gerhard Andersson ◽  
Britt Larsson

BJGP Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. bjgpopen20X101092
Author(s):  
Vincent A van Vugt ◽  
Anja JThCM de Kruif ◽  
Johannes C van der Wouden ◽  
Henriëtte E van der Horst ◽  
Otto R Maarsingh

BackgroundInternet-based vestibular rehabilitation (VR) with physiotherapy support, known as blended VR, was effective in reducing vestibular symptoms in a recent randomised controlled trial. Blended VR is a complex intervention comprised of physiotherapeutic visits, the vertigo training website, and VR exercises. Because of these interacting components, it is important to understand how blended VR works, for whom it works best, and how it should ideally be delivered.AimTo investigate the experiences of both patients and physiotherapists with blended internet-based VR.Design & settingA qualitative interview study was performed with patients who received blended internet-based VR with physiotherapy support, and physiotherapists who provided this support.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 patients and eight physiotherapists after the 6-month follow-up of the randomised trial. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed.ResultsAccording to both patients and physiotherapists, the physiotherapist visits were useful in providing personal attention, helping patients safely execute exercises, and improving patients’ adherence to therapy. Some patients said they did not need physiotherapist support and, according to physiotherapists, both the necessity and the optimal way to deliver guidance differed greatly between patients. The Vertigo Training website and exercises provided patients with a sense of control over their symptoms. Patients reported that the VR exercises were easy to perform and most patients continued to use them long after the trial ended.ConclusionIn blended VR, physiotherapeutic visits appear to offer benefits above the vertigo training website and VR exercises alone. Physiotherapy support may best be used when individually tailored.


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