Exploring the effects of fitbit incentive on treatment outcomes in veterans undergoing intensive pain rehabilitation program

Abstract Objective This study compares clinical pain outcomes between patients in a pain treatment program that received a Fitbit, to patients that did not. We also explored: (1) cognitive, emotional, and psychological factors that may have impacted the decision to opt in to receiving a Fitbit; and...

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Main Authors: Tiffany Toor (Author), Sarah Palyo (Author), Kathryn Schopmeyer (Author), Alan N. Simmons (Author), Irina A. Strigo (Author)
Format: Book
Published: SpringerOpen, 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:Abstract Objective This study compares clinical pain outcomes between patients in a pain treatment program that received a Fitbit, to patients that did not. We also explored: (1) cognitive, emotional, and psychological factors that may have impacted the decision to opt in to receiving a Fitbit; and (2) whether the choice to receive a Fitbit impacted changes in cognitive, emotional, and psychological factors following treatment. Methods Among 58 patients in a multidisciplinary pain treatment program at a Veterans Affairs Healthcare System hospital, 31 patients opted to receive a Fitbit as adjunct treatment, while 27 did not. This study utilized patient-reported and practitioner-collected data from the pain treatment program. Results Compared to the non-Fitbit group, the Fitbit group displayed a significant decrease in average pain intensity, however showed no correlation between Fitbit activity and average pain intensity. Additionally, treatment satisfaction was the only predictor of treatment group, when modeling pre- and post-treatment outcomes changes. Conclusion The implementation of a Fitbit may lead to improved pain intensity. Initial evidence suggests that opting to receive a Fitbit during a pain treatment program indicates treatment engagement leading to greater treatment satisfaction. Future work is needed to verify and expand upon this potential mechanism.
Item Description:10.1186/s41687-024-00721-z
2509-8020