A qualitative investigation of activity measurement and change following a mind-body activity program for chronic pain

  • Paula J. Popok
  • , Jonathan Greenberg
  • , Melissa V. Gates
  • , Ana Maria Vranceanu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Increasing activity is important yet challenging among people with chronic pain. Objective assessment of activity using accelerometers (i.e., ActiGraph) has gained popularity, but reactivity to assessment and non-adherence to wearing the ActiGraph may bias data. We explored: 1) experiences of wearing the ActiGraph to identify ways to increase adherence and facilitate accurate assessment of activity; and 2) barriers and facilitators to increasing activity following two mind-body activity programs to optimize future interventions. We conducted semi-structured exit interviews with 13 participants with heterogenous chronic pain who completed a randomized controlled trial of two mind-body activity programs. We analyzed transcripts using a framework approach to generate themes. Participants indicated that receiving reminders increased ActiGraph wear adherence and reported that program skills such as gratitude, pacing, mindfulness, and deep breathing were facilitators to increasing activity, while medical problems were barriers. Interventions aiming to increase activity may benefit from emphasizing mind-body skills and sending ActiGraph wear reminders.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101410
JournalComplementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Volume44
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ActiGraph
  • Chronic pain
  • Mind-body
  • Physical function

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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