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Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery

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Published on: April 14, 2016

Overactivity in chronic pain: is it a valid construct?

Nicole Emma Andrews¹, Jenny Strong, Pamela Joy Meredith

¹Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia Department of Occupational Therapy, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia The Professor Tess Cramond Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia.

|June 13, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Overactivity in chronic pain may be a valid construct. This study found links between self-reported overactivity, pain fluctuations, and objectively measured physical activity patterns over time.

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Area of Science:

Pain Management
Behavioral Medicine
Rehabilitation Science

Background:

Overactivity is a common term in chronic pain, describing activity that exacerbates pain and leads to incapacity.
The construct of overactivity has relied solely on patient self-reports, questioning its validity.
Distinguishing between perceived overactivity and actual activity patterns that worsen pain is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the validity of overactivity as a construct in chronic pain.
To examine the relationship between self-reported overactivity, pain patterns, and objectively measured physical activity.
To explore the temporal associations between activity engagement and pain exacerbation.

Main Methods:

A 5-day observational study design was employed.
68 adults with chronic pain completed a self-report questionnaire on overactivity and activity avoidance.
Participants wore activity monitors and recorded pain intensity six times daily.

Main Results:

High pain levels were associated with both high overactivity and high activity avoidance.
High overactivity correlated with greater day-to-day variability in pain and objective activity.
Prolonged activity engagement followed by significant pain increases was observed in individuals with high overactivity.

Conclusions:

Preliminary findings support the validity of overactivity as a legitimate construct in chronic pain.
Objective physical activity measures and pain patterns provide support for the concept of overactivity.
Further research can refine the understanding and measurement of overactivity in pain management.