555: Motivation for physical activity and chronic pain: The power of social connection

Topic: Education, Societal Impact, and Others
Subtopic: Education of pain care

Background and Aims: Knowing that physical activity is beneficial is not enough: adherence remains complex, especially with chronic pain. This is a global challenge; the WHO reports that one in three adults is insufficiently active. The Versant AKOR 2024 project mobilized patients to collectively match the AKOR Adventurers' cross-Canada trek. This study explores how social affiliation and a collective challenge transform motivation despite physical fluctuations. The objective is to understand the evolution of engagement and to assess, six months later, the impact on quality of life and the sustainable adoption of an active lifestyle.

Methods: This qualitative, longitudinal action research project took place over a year. Repeated data collection allowed for precise documentation of the evolution of the phenomenon under study over time. The methodology combined several tools: the administration of questionnaires, in-depth individual interviews, and direct observation of group meetings. This multidimensional approach ensures rigorous monitoring of participants throughout the process.

Results: The results reveal that 11 out of 12 participants increased their weekly physical activity. The benefits became significant after four months, exceeding the usual threshold for managing chronic pain. Scientifically, the study demonstrates that social affiliation and vicarious experience are powerful drivers for transforming motivation. By moving beyond a purely physiological and psychological approach, these social mechanisms promote long-term adherence and better pain management. This project thus offers an innovative approach for the long-term integration of an active lifestyle in this population.

Conclusions: Adopting a socio-ecological approach centered on social connection, rather than solely on physiological benefits, would promote a more sustainable active lifestyle among people with chronic pain.
By prioritizing human connection and group integration, this method facilitates better coexistence with pain. It suggests that social support is a more powerful motivator for maintaining long-term physical activity than traditional health recommendations.

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Presenting Author: Sylvie Lafrenaye
Submitting Author: Caroline Guay

Senior Author: Caroline Guay

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: Yes

• Caroline Guay: master's degree - Université de Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada)
• Sylvie Lafrenaye: M.D. (physician) - Université de Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada)
• Guillaume Léonard: pht, Ph. D - Université de Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada)
• Jean-Francois Desbiens: Ph.D - Université de Sherbrooke (Québec) Canada
• Nathalie Clément: M.D.(physician) - université de Sherbrooke (Québec, Canada)