From Accelerometer Data to Activity Patterns in Chronic Pain: Methodical Reasoning Is Key

Activity pattern (AP) concepts are widely used in interdisciplinary chronic pain (CP) care. It is assumed that AP can be objectively measured with accelerometry, but previous results show inconsistencies which may be attributed to methodical choices. This scoping review aims to provide insight in the process of methodical reasoning for measuring AP concepts within CP. This process comprises (1) defining the concept, (2) its operationalization with variables and indicators, (3) measurement properties and data processing and (4) interpreting results. Five databases were searched for full-text publications from inception to November 2024 and publications were included when AP were measured with triaxial accelerometers for at least five consecutive days in adults with primary musculoskeletal CP. The searches yielded 11648 papers. Fifteen papers were included and summarized in three tables: 1. Study characteristics, 2. Concepts, definitions and operationalization, 3. Measurement properties and data processing. Clinically relevant results are summarized and compared. Concepts were diverse and could be divided into behavioral concepts and concepts derived from physics. Methods were heterogeneous and reporting of methods was incomplete in multiple cases. This review provides recommendations for future research steps that could facilitate the comparison of upcoming studies and their application in daily practice. As a first step in securing comparability and usability of future research, consensus is needed on clinically relevant AP concepts, definitions, operationalization, data processing, and measurement methods.