Monitoring physical activity in persons living with fibromyalgia: a healthcare delivery innovations project

Abstract

Physical activity is an important component of symptom management in patients with fibromyalgia. A means to aid fibromyalgia patients in developing, monitoring and achieving physical activity goals may be useful in fostering resilience. The aim of the project was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of using a smart, wearable body sensor - the Fitbit One - to monitor physical activity in persons living with fibromyalgia. This project also explores use of the Fitbit One to examine the relationship between number of steps per week and fibromyalgia symptom impact. This healthcare delivery innovations project utilized a feasibility study design, where participants were asked to wear a Fitbit One for four consecutive weeks while performing their usual routines. Each week participants filled out the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), and at the end of the four-week period, the researcher interviewed participants about their experience wearing the Fitbit One. Participants (n=8) all identified as white females and had a previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Content analysis revealed three qualitative themes: 1) Device usability; a majority (n=7) felt the Fitbit One was easy to use 2) personal awareness; a majority (n=7) stated that the device increased their exercise awareness and 3) device feedback; most (n=6) participants felt that device feedback lead to physical activity goal setting. No participant felt that the device impacted pain. 7 of 8 participants' FIQR scores indicated decreased or unchanged symptom impact in daily living. Steps vs. FIQR graphs showed that for 6/8 participants the number of steps either increased or stayed the same, while self-reported fibromyalgia impact stayed the same or improved throughout the study. Findings suggest that Fitbit One use and wear are acceptable to individuals with fibromyalgia. Most participants cited increased awareness of physical activity as a benefit. Graphical analysis of steps compared to fibromyalgia impact suggests that increased steps may indicate decreased symptom impact. Given participants responses to usefulness and acceptability of the device, it seems that integration of smart, wearable body sensors into healthcare may be effective as another means to enable fibromyalgia self care.