Assessing Physical Activity in Orofacial Pain Patients
Abstract
Introduction: Current models of healthcare highlight the importance of regular physical activity for maintaining good health and for disease prevention. Regular physical activity in patients with chronic pain is associated with improved physical and psychological functioning and reduced pain severity. However, associations among physical activity and functioning have not been assessed in orofacial pain patients. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess physical activity levels in newly diagnosed Orofacial Pain patients. Physical activity was assessed using self-report measures and a physical activity tracking device (Fitbit Flex 2). The secondary aim was to explore relationships among physical activity and pain severity, fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression. Methods: Participants were newly diagnosed orofacial pain patients (n=25). Participants completed study self-report measures at initial clinic visit and wore a portable activity monitor (Fitbit Flex 2) daily until returning to the clinic for a follow-up visit. Results: Overall, participants were compliant with use of the activity tracker. Physical activity in study participants was not associated with pain severity, age or fatigue (ps>0.05). The majority of the sample (76%) was overweight or obese, exceeding the national average. Discussion: There were no correlations between any subjective data and the objective data. There was a large portion of the study had elevated BMI, which is consistent with the general population. There was no correlation between perceived activity and actual physical activity as measured by the portable tracking device. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated the feasibility of portable activity monitors for assessing physical activity in orofacial pain patients. Future research may need to incorporate an intervention to increase physical activity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1128210
Entities
People
- James T. Corbett
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences