Physical activity is recognized as a fundamental strategy for improving both physical and mental well-being. However, in the face of chronic pain, engaging in physical activity may be accompanied by anxiety-inducing reactions. A detailed examination of these interactions and the direct relationship between physical activity and health anxiety in patients with chronic pain is essential to provide more comprehensive interventions for managing these conditions.
Social support is highlighted as a fundamental mediating factor in the effects of physical activity and health anxiety in individuals with chronic pain. Social support, through the provision of emotional, informational, and practical assistance, can play a crucial role in the process of improvement and the reduction of anxiety. This study aims to delve into the depth of the relational effects of physical activity and health anxiety in individuals with chronic pain, focusing on social support as a potential mediator and advocating for sustained improvement. The research methodology employed a descriptive approach and a correlational research design. The study population consisted of patients attending pain clinics in Tehran in 2023. A total of 340 patients were selected through voluntary and available sampling. Data collection utilized questionnaires on physical activity, health anxiety, chronic pain, social support, and pain intensity. All necessary approvals were obtained from relevant organizations before conducting the research, and ethical considerations were strictly followed. Participants completed the questionnaires in a calm and non-stressful environment with full consent. Ultimately, the collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling through SPSS and Amos version 26. The results demonstrated that physical activity has a significant direct effect on health anxiety (p<0.05, β = -0.361) and social support (p<0.05, β = 0.403) in patients with chronic pain, explaining 28.4% and 31.6% of the variance in these variables, respectively. Ultimately, emotional support also had a significant direct effect on physical activity (p<0.05, β = 0.469) in patients with chronic pain, explaining 26.3% of the variance in this variable. Additionally, emotional support played a significant mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and health anxiety in patients with chronic pain (p<0.05). In conclusion, physical activity and social support play crucial roles in managing and reducing health anxiety in individuals with chronic pain. Promoting physical activity and increasing social support can be effective strategies for improving both the mental and physical well-being of these individuals. Moreover, the results suggest that emotional support can serve as a determinant factor in promoting physical activity and reducing anxiety in patients with chronic pain.