The Role of Symptoms and Self-Efficacy in Predicting Physical Activity Change Among Older Adults With Arthritis

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 (beta = -.34 and -.24) and, in turn, PA self-efficacy (beta = .63); PA self-efficacy was associated with PA (beta = .15). Pain and depression changes were associated with arthritis self-efficacy change (beta = -.20 and -.21) and, in turn, PA self-efficacy (beta = .32) change; PA self-efficacy change was associated with PA change (beta = .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

Sperber, N., Hall, KS., Allen, K., DeVellis, BM., Lewis, M., & Callahan, LF. (2014). The Role of Symptoms and Self-Efficacy in Predicting Physical Activity Change Among Older Adults With Arthritis. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 11(3), 528-535. DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2012-0030