The Experience Sampling Method in Small Fiber Neuropathy: The Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Pain Intensity and Physical Activity

This study explores how pain, physical activity, and psychological factors are related in people with small fiber neuropathy (SFN). SFN is a condition causing nerve pain and reduced quality of life. The study used a smartphone app to track participants' experiences in real-time over a week. This method, called the experience sampling method (ESM), helps avoid memory bias when reporting pain. The findings suggest a complex relationship where pain can lead to increased activity, and activity can lead to increased pain, influenced by factors like catastrophic thoughts, mood, and avoidance behavior.

• 1
  More pain now can result in more physical activity later, influenced by pain catastrophic thoughts and fatigue.
• 2
  More physical activity now can result in more pain later, influenced by affective states (cheerfulness and anxiety) and avoidance behavior.
• 3
  Pain intensity and physical activity showed a two-sided association, influenced by catastrophic thoughts, fatigue, affective states, and avoidance behavior.