PA for the management of fatigue in RA (FRAPA) Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A research study to explore the acceptability of a physical activity (PA) intervention for the management of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
IRAS ID
135990
Contact name
Victoria Salmon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of England
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to explore the acceptability and deliverability of a physical activity (PA) intervention for the management of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to discuss and identify key components of this intervention. This is in accordance with Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions to improve health (MRC 2000, 2008) and will inform the design and development of a PA intervention to support RA patients with managing their fatigue. An ethics application detailing a future feasibility study for the intervention will be submitted at a later date.
The current study is made up of two parts: two half day workshops involving RA patients, followed by two focus groups with specialist rheumatology physiotherapists. The first part of the study will explore patients’ thoughts and feelings about the use of PA to manage fatigue in RA. These data will be analysed and presented to the physiotherapists to explore their opinions about the acceptability and deliverability of this as an intervention. This includes identifying any barriers and facilitators to implementation and delivery.
Findings from the study will be used to inform intervention development including type of PA, programme length, session duration, mode of delivery, location of delivery, and appropriate support materials.
The study forms the second phase of a PhD research project that is being conducted by the principal investigator (PI), Victoria Salmon. Phase 1 of the research consisted of a review of the literature and semi-structured interviews with health professionals who are delivering a PA intervention as part of a fatigue management programme in other long term conditions. Data from phase 1 have been used in the development of this study (phase 2).
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EM/0331
Date of REC Opinion
14 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion