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Daily and Weekly Associations Among Pain Intensity, Self-Reported Activity Limitations, and Objectively Assessed
Jacqueline R O'Brien1, Sydnee Stoyles2, Eleanor A J Battison1
1Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Monitoring youth pain recovery is key. This study found self-reported activity limitations and objectively measured physical activity are distinct but related aspects of physical functioning associated with pain intensity in adolescents with acute musculoskeletal pain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pain Management
- Musculoskeletal Injury Recovery
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Monitoring recovery in acute pain is crucial for identifying youth at risk of persistent pain.
- Subjective and objective measures assess function post-injury, but their associations during the acute period are unknown.
- Understanding these relationships can inform early intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine associations among self-reported activity limitations, objectively measured physical activity, and pain intensity in youth with acute musculoskeletal pain.
- To investigate the relationship between daily pain intensity and both subjective and objective measures of physical functioning.
- To determine if self-reported limitations and objective activity represent distinct aspects of physical functioning.
Main Methods:
- 176 youth (age 11-17) with acute musculoskeletal pain completed 7-day electronic diaries for pain intensity and activity limitations (Child Activity Limitations Interview [CALI]).
- Participants concurrently wore an Actiwatch to objectively measure physical activity.
- Data were analyzed using between-participant and within-participant correlations, and linear mixed-effects models.
Main Results:
- Greater activity limitations were associated with lower mean and peak physical activity.
- Higher daily pain intensity correlated with greater self-reported activity limitations.
- Higher daily pain intensity was also associated with increased physical activity (mean activity, activity bouts, light activity) and decreased sedentary time.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported activity limitations and objective physical activity are distinct, yet related, components of physical functioning in youth experiencing acute pain.
- These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of physical recovery in adolescents post-musculoskeletal injury.
- Further longitudinal research is needed to understand how these measures predict pain persistence.
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