Physical activity should be the primary intervention for individuals living with chronic pain. A position paper from the European Pain Federation (EFIC) ‘on the move’ task force

Review written by Dr Sandy Hilton info

Key Points

  1. The World Health Organization defines physical activity as any voluntary movement requiring energy expenditure.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Chronic pain remains a global problem for individuals and health care providers as they seek to find effective and efficient treatments. Multiple studies define physical activity (PA) as a modifiable option for improving function and health for a variety of conditions.

This paper highlights the barriers and challenges in integrating PA into daily life for those with chronic pain. The mechanism for PA as a viable method of treating pain include biological, psychological, and social domains (1).

The European Pain Federation (EFIC) presents this paper to establish a formal position on PA for individuals with chronic pain to guide all health professionals in promoting PA with their patients with appropriate modifications.

Chronic pain remains a global problem for individuals and health care providers as they seek to find effective and efficient treatments.
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It is necessary to help the patient by designing a physical activity program that includes their relevant priorities and goals in a way that is achievable and sustainable.

METHODS

This is a position paper that establishes five recommendations on the importance of PA from patients, health professionals, and researchers. This paper is a perspective of the “On The Move” Task Force of EFIC with collaboration from patient representatives.

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