Brief report: using actigraphy to compare physical activity levels in adolescents with chronic pain and healthy adolescents.

OBJECTIVES This study compared activity levels of adolescents with chronic pain and healthy adolescents, and investigated relations between actigraphy and subjective measures of activity limitations and depression. METHODS Forty adolescents (n = 20 with chronic pain, n = 20 otherwise healthy; 12-17 years; 72.5% females) participated. Adolescents completed questionnaires regarding pain, activity limitations, and depression. Activity levels were assessed for 7 days using the Actiwatch 64 device, yielding mean and peak activity levels, and time spent in moderate and sedentary activity. RESULTS Physical activity was lower in adolescents with chronic pain than in healthy peers. Adolescents with chronic pain reported significantly higher levels of activity limitations and depression. Age and gender were related to activity. Higher activity was inversely correlated with pain frequency and depression. Peak activity was also significantly inversely related to self-reported pain intensity and activity limitations. CONCLUSIONS Actigraphy may be useful for examining physical activity outcomes in adolescents with chronic pain.