The use of wearable technology in a comprehensive chronic pain management programme

Abstract

Technology is increasingly used to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in the general population, but the possibility of using it to support physical activity in chronic pain patients is still sparse. Physical activity is crucial for improving quality of life of chronic pain patients. However, long-term physical activity goals widely depend on pain perception, actual or anticipated pain exacerbation, and lack of confidence when doing physical activity. We aimed to determine whether wearable technology can improve management of chronic pain. Full protocol of this 8-week clinical trial is available in the Clinical Trials Registry (NCT 03837080). In short, chronic pain patients enrolled in the 4-week multidisciplinary chronic pain management programme wore fitness wristbands during the 4-week programme (0-4 weeks) and during the follow-up (4-8 weeks). Fitness wristbands measured physical activity and sleep patterns. Additionally, anthropometric measurements and psychological condition of patients (by using Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 Items questionnaires) was measured. The number of steps and average time of activity per day increased, as well as deep sleep time per day but without reaching statistical significance. Significant improvements in waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio with longer deep sleep time were found. No significant correlation was found between physical activity, sleep quality and psychological characteristics or catastrophizing. By wearing fitness wristbands, patients feel actively involved in their chronic pain management. In a clinical/research setting, wristbands provide better, continuous oversight of patient’s progress end enables tailoring of individualized strategies. However, the use of wristbands requires some level of IT knowledge, and sudden malfunctions of the wristband and/or the software can be expected. Additionally, some individual characteristics (i.e., demographics, psychosocial factors, lack of motivation) can also be obstacles to their use.