Photo Credit: Sorapop
The following is a summary of “Experience Sampling Method in Small Fiber Neuropathy: The Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Pain Intensity and Physical Activity,” published in the November 2024 issue of Pain by Damci et al.
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a disorder depicted by neuropathic pain and decreased QoL, with the underlying psychosocial factors remaining unclear. The experience sampling method (ESM) offers a valuable tool for understanding real-time fluctuations in response to events.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to explore the relationships between pain intensity, physical activity, and psychosocial factors in individuals with SFN over time.
They used the PsyMate© application (smart-eHealth GmbH, Luxembourg) at the Adelante location of Maastricht University Medical Center+ in the Netherlands for an ESM study. Participants with idiopathic SFN, aged over 18, and an indication for rehabilitation were included. The ESM questions assessed pain intensity, fatigue, positive and negative affect, physical activity, avoidance behavior, and pain catastrophizing thoughts. Participants received 10 beep signals daily, followed by questions, for 7 consecutive days and the results were examined using linear mixed-effect models.
The results showed that 21 participants were included, with a mean age of 48.24 years (SD ± 13.89), of which 76.2% were female. A positive relationship was observed between more pain (at present) and increased physical activity (later) and between more physical activity (at present) and increased pain (later). The first association was influenced by pain catastrophizing thoughts and fatigue, while the second was by higher affective states and lower avoidance behavior.
Investigators concluded that in idiopathic SFN, pain intensity and physical activity revealed a bidirectional relationship modulated by catastrophic thoughts, fatigue, affective states, and avoidance behaviors.
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