[Physical activity and musculoskeletal pain : A focus review within the MiSpEx research group]

Chronic pain diseases are often accompanied by a subjectively perceived impairment in physical activity. Moreover, to date it has not been possible to formulate general recommendations on a therapeutic quantity of physical activity and how activities of daily life and movement exercises should be designed for specific patient populations. This article gives an overview about the effects of physical activity in chronic pain patients and healthy subjects with respect to the different contexts of activities of daily living. Empirical evidence suggests that physical activity might have health-promoting or even pain-provoking effects, depending on the amount and intensity. In particular, a temporary exacerbation of symptoms after an exercise intervention could pose a serious problem concerning patient adherence to treatment. Studies investigating the influence of psychosocial risk factors on pain and disability indicate the need for more individualized pain management techniques.