Association Between Activity Pacing and Negative Emotions in Patients With Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review

Chronic pain is a major health problem given its high prevalence and its multiple consequences on the physical and psychological functioning of patients. It is therefore important to determine the relationship between these consequences and pain management strategies such as activity pacing. This review aimed to examine the association between activity pacing and the level of negative emotions in chronic pain. A second objective was to explore sex differences in this association.

A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Three independent reviewers used a combination of keywords within four databases to include studies examining the link between pacing and negative emotions in chronic pain.

Pacing was associated with less negative emotions when measured using multidimensional tools, distinguishing it from avoidance, and highlighting the major components of pacing, such as maintaining a constant activity or conserving energy. Data did not allow examination of sex differences.

Pacing is multidimensional and consists of various strategies of pain management which are not equally associated with negative emotions. It is important to use measures reflecting this conception to strengthen knowledges about the role of pacing in the development of negative emotions.