Clinical Research Directory

Ecological Momentary Assessment and Physical Activity in Patients With Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

Chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs), such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, can cause pain, fatigue, and mobility issues, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Physical activity is an important part of managing these conditions, as it helps reduce pain, maintain mobility, and prevent complications. However, many patients struggle to stay active due to pain and fatigue. Understanding these challenges better could lead to improved support and interventions. This study explores a new way to monitor the daily experiences of patients with IRDs using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), a method that collects real-time data through a mobile app. The study will also use actimeters-wearable devices that track physical activity. Over 14 days, participants will answer short surveys on their phone and wear an actimeter to provide insights into how fatigue, pain, mood, and physical activity levels change throughout the day. Before using this approach in a larger study, we need to make sure it is practical and acceptable for patients. This pilot study will assess whether participants find the mobile app and actimeter easy to use, how often they respond to surveys, and whether frequent reminders affect their willingness to participate. The study will also examine the immediate and delayed effects of different symptoms on physical activity and explore factors that influence patient engagement with the protocol. By identifying potential barriers and solutions, this research will help refine future studies and improve the way we monitor and support people with IRDs in staying active while managing their symptoms.