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. 2022 Nov;23(11):1933-1944.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.07.003. Epub 2022 Jul 29.

Fitbit Activity, Quota-Based Pacing, and Physical and Emotional Functioning Among Adults With Chronic Pain

Victoria A Grunberg  1 , Jonathan Greenberg  2 , Ryan A Mace  2 , Jafar Bakhshaie  2 , Karmel W Choi  3 , Ana-Maria Vranceanu  4
Affiliations

Fitbit Activity, Quota-Based Pacing, and Physical and Emotional Functioning Among Adults With Chronic Pain

Victoria A Grunberg et al. J Pain. 2022 Nov.

Abstract

Physical activity can improve function in patients with chronic pain, however, adherence is low, in part due to inconsistent activity patterns. Smart wearable activity trackers, such as Fitbits, may help promote activity. In our program for chronic pain, we examined: 1) Fitbit activity patterns (ie, step count, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior), and 2) whether achievement of weekly, individualized Fitbit step goals was associated with functional outcomes. We conducted a secondary analysis of Fitbit data from our 10-week mind-body activity program for chronic pain (GetActive-Fitbit arm, N = 41). Participants self-reported emotional and physical function and completed performance-based and accelerometer-based assessments. From week 1 to week 10, 30% of participants increased >800 steps; 32.5% increased MVPA; and 30% decreased sedentary behavior. Only step count significantly changed across time with mean steps peaking at week 8 (M = +1897.60, SD = 467.67). Fitbit step goal achievement was associated with improvements in anxiety (ß = -.35, CI [-2.80, -.43]), self-reported physical function (ß = -.34, CI [-5.17, 8.05]), and performance-based physical function (ß = .29, CI [-71.93, 28.38]), but not accelerometer-based physical function or depression. Adhering to individualized Fitbit step goals in the context of a mind-body activity program may improve anxiety and self-reported and performance-based physical function. PERSPECTIVE: We examine Fitbit activity patterns and the association between quota-based pacing and functional outcomes within a mind-body activity program for adults with chronic pain. Complementing quota-based pacing and coping skills with Fitbits may be a useful approach to promote activity engagement and behavior change in chronic pain populations.

Keywords: Chronic pain; Fitbit; Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); Sedentary behavior; Step count.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: We declare no relevant conflicts of interests.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Average Step Count Across 10 Weeks
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Average Minutes of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Across 10 Weeks
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Average Minutes of Sedentary Behavior Across 10 Weeks
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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