Approach-Avoidance Tendencies Moderate the Relationship Between Fear of Movement and Physical Activity in Osteoarthritis
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Research question
Do psychological processes, such as explicit attitudes and approach-avoidance tendencies toward physical activity, mediate or moderate the relationship between fear of movement and usual physical activity levels in people with osteoarthritis?
Methods
An online observational study was conducted in 197 participants, including 68 with osteoarthritis. Arthritis, fear of movement, usual physical activity level, and explicit attitudes were assessed using questionnaires. Approach-avoidance tendencies, an indicator of automatic attitudes, was derived from reaction times in an approach-avoidance task.
Results
Results showed that higher fear of movement was associated with lower physical activity levels in participants with osteoarthritis. This association was moderated by approach-avoidance tendencies toward physical activity, with a significant effect only in participants with an automatic tendency to avoid physical activity or a weak tendency to approach it.
Conclusion
This study suggests that in adults with osteoarthritis, the detrimental effect of fear of movement on usual physical activity levels may be mitigated by strong automatic tendencies to approach physical activity. Since these tendencies result from the automatic activation of affective memories, health professionals should consider not only promoting physical activity but also ensuring its association with positive emotional experiences.
