Self-regulation of effort for a better health-related quality of life: a multidimensional activity pacing model... 2023 Barakou et al

[Andy]

Full title: Self-regulation of effort for a better health-related quality of life: a multidimensional activity pacing model for chronic pain and fatigue management

Abstract

Purpose
To propose a comprehensive multidimensional model of activity pacing that improves health-related quality of life and promotes sustained physical activity engagement among adults with chronic conditions.

Materials and methods
A narrative review was conducted to examine the existing literature on activity pacing, health-related quality of life, pain and fatigue management, and physical activity promotion in chronic conditions.

Results
The literature revealed a lack of a cohesive approach towards a multidimensional model for using activity pacing to improve health-related quality of life. A comprehensive multidimensional model of activity pacing was proposed, emphasizing the importance of considering all aspects of pacing for sustained physical activity engagement and improved health-related quality of life. The model incorporates elements such as rest breaks, self-regulatory skills, environmental factors, and effective coping strategies for depression/anxiety. It takes into account physical, psychological, and environmental factors, all of which contribute significantly to the enhancement of health-related quality of life, physical function, and overall well-being, reflecting a holistic approach.

Conclusions
The model offers guidance to researchers and clinicians in effectively educating patients on activity pacing acquisition and in developing effective interventions to enhance physical activity engagement and health outcomes among adults with chronic conditions. Additionally, it serves as a tool towards facilitating discussions on sustained physical activity and a healthy lifestyle for patients, which can eventually lead to improved quality of life.

Open access, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07853890.2023.2270688

 

[Andy]

A qualitative study explored the views and beliefs about activity pacing among adults with long-term conditions (chronic low back pain, chronic widespread pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome) [Citation60]

Moreover, a systematic review/meta-analysis on activity pacing by Casson et al. [Citation82] concluded that activity pacing interventions effectively alleviate fatigue symptoms, psychological distress, and depression while improving physical function in adults with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Numerous health factors have been associated with HRQoL and well-being in chronic conditions. Among these factors, physical inactivity has been associated with impaired HRQoL in patients with asthma and diabetes [Citation86,Citation88]. Additionally, individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome have been found to commonly lack physical activity as noted in a review article [Citation89].

 

[Andy]

6. Conclusion
The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of activity pacing factors and its potential impact on HRQoL of adults with chronic conditions. Health professionals and researchers have leading roles to play in addressing pain and fatigue, and physical inactivity in this population by developing effective adaptations of the activity pacing model introduced in this narrative review. The significant impact of pain and fatigue symptoms on quality of life demands decisive actions from researchers and health professionals to improve the HRQoL of these individuals. The multidimensional approach of the activity pacing model could be a promising solution to the management of pain and fatigue symptoms but also to a sustained physically active lifestyle as this multidimensional model can be used by health professionals and researchers as tool to facilitate discussions about activity pacing in a tailored way. Future research could delve deeper into behavioural change theories within the context of activity pacing to achieve a more comprehensive understanding and optimization.