The Role of Physical Activity in Fatigue and Pain Self-Efficacy among Patients with Musculoskeletal Problems: A Comparative Study in Greece

Background Recent studies have shown the important role of physical activity in reducing fatigue and improving self-efficacy in pain among patients with musculoskeletal problems. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity, fatigue, and self-efficacy in pain among patients with musculoskeletal problems. Methodology For this purpose, a quantitative study was conducted on 138 patients (70 who exercised and 68 who did not exercise) with musculoskeletal problems, aged 18 years and older, in the areas of Attica. The assessment of fatigue and self-efficacy in pain was based on the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and Fatigue Assessment Scale. Results The results showed that patients with musculoskeletal problems reported moderate to high levels of self-efficacy in pain, without significant differences between patients who exercised and those who did not. On the contrary, patients who exercise reported significantly lower levels of overall and mental fatigue. Furthermore, increased self-efficacy was associated with reduced physical fatigue in the general patient sample, but no significant association was observed in the two patient subgroups. Conclusion The findings provide evidence that the role of physical activity is of great importance.