Fibromyalgia-Related Quality of Life and Exercise Motivation

Motivation for physical exercise will be assessed using the Portuguese version of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-4). The questionnaire consists of 21 items, with responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale, where 0: Not true for me; 2: Sometimes true for me; 5: Often true for me. The 21 items are divided into seven factors according to their respective items, which are: amotivation; external regulation ; introjected regulation by avoidance; introjected regulation by approach; identified regulation; integrated regulation and intrinsic motivation. Results will be obtained for each factor/regulation, and the final score that is, the relative autonomy index.

The questionnaire consists of 21 questions, all in an 11-point numerical scale format (0-10). This instrument assesses three domains: 9 items for function, 2 items for overall impact, and 10 items for symptoms. The domain scores are calculated by summing the respective items and dividing by 3 (function domain), 1 (impact domain), and 2 (symptoms domain), and range from 0-30, 0-20, and 0-50, respectively. The total score is calculated by summing the domain scores, resulting in a range of 0 to 100; the higher the score, the greater the impact of fibromyalgia.

This 20-question questionnaire was developed by researchers and contains statements to be answered as true or false, based on scientific studies; the statements were categorized into: general aspects of fibromyalgia; general treatments; physical exercise; and self-care. The more correct answers a person gives, the greater their knowledge of the condition.

Responses are provided using a 4-point Likert scale (1: strongly disagree; 2: disagree; 3: agree; 4: strongly agree). The results are obtained by summing the scores and range from 0 to 52; the higher the score, the greater the perceived fear.

Twenty questions related to barriers, to which the volunteer must respond with "true" or "false" for each statement regarding the lack of physical activity in their daily life. 14 items to be rated on a 4-point Likert scale based on the degree of importance of characteristics associated with exercise (0: not important; 2: somewhat important; 3: important; 4: very important).