Abstract
Background: Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) has been linked
to decreased social functioning, poor mental health, and
quality of life (QOL). Increased physical functioning and
activity can result in improvements in social, mental and
overall health, as well as lowered depression and anxiety
levels.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine physical
activity levels and QOL amongst patients diagnosed with
fibromyalgia in the Johannesburg region of South Africa.
Methods: The research design was cross-sectional.
Descriptive and quantitative data were collected. FMS
patients (n=38) completed an online questionnaire on the
Google Forms platform. The questionnaire was comprised of
four components, namely Demographics, the Global Physical
Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Fibromyalgia Impact
Questionnaire (FIQR), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). During
data analysis, descriptive characteristics and correlations
were computed. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Results revealed high FIQR scores (67%)
accompanied with low QOL scores (<50% in all domains).
There was no correlation between physical activity and FIQR,
and physical activity and QOL.
Conclusion: High scores on the impact of FMS were
associated with lower overall QOL scores. However, the
relationship between physical activity, and the impact of FMS
and QOL remain inconclusive.