Perceptions of exercise among individuals with fibromyalgia : identifying the benefits and barriers

This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of exercise among individuals with fibromyalgia. The goal of this research was not to prove that exercise is good for people with fibromyalgia, but rather to gain an understanding of how health practitioners can help fibromyalgia patients adhere to regular physical activity. The research was conducted using three focus groups with people who are treated for fibromyalgia at Medical Consultants in Muncie, Indiana. The groups consisted of current exercisers and non-exercisers. Four themes emerged from the groups that the participants discussed. These themes were, reasons for exercising, barriers to exercise, desired characteristics of an exercise program, and key support personnel helping participants deal with their condition. The information contained within these themes can be used by health practitioners to develop exercise programs that entice fibromyalgia patients to adhere to a regular exercise program.Fisher Institute for Wellness and GerontologyThesis (M.S.