Effects of Physical Activity With Online Support for Individuals With Chronic Widespread Pain (CWP)

Effects of Physical Activity With Online Support for Individuals With Chronic Widespread Pain (CWP)

The aim is to evaluate a novel treatment routine where contact through a smart phone/computer is used for online support for patients suffering from chronic widespread pain (CWP). The outline is that patients are encouraged to perform physical activity during a period of 12 months with online support from a physical therapist.

The intervention follows principles from the theories of person-centered care and self-efficacy. The examinations performed at baseline and after six months were conducted by blinded examiners at a visit at the primary health care centers. All participants developed a person-centered health plan for physical activity together with a physiotherapist. The intervention group was supported with a digital platform for six months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• fulfilling the American Colleague of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 criteria for chronic widespread pain (CWP)
• access to a smart phone or computer

Exclusion Criteria:

• other serious diseases that cause pain or hinder exercise, such as heart disease, neurological disease or severe osteoarthritis
• unable to speak or read Swedish