Actigraphy For Fibromyalgia

By Barry T. Peterson, Ph.D., Sr. Mgr., Philips Respironics Clinical Affairs

Actigraphy is the measurement of motion, usually with miniature accelerometers, to monitor daily activity and sleep patterns. The data are typically displayed as actograms that show the activity and rest between noon and noon the following day. The data can be analyzed to provide a variety of objective endpoints about circadian patterns, level of activity and nighttime movements.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a neuropathic pain that affects millions of people in the United States. It, like most pain conditions, affects daily activity and sleep. The pain sensations are best measured by recording the patient’s own perceptions (patient-reported outcome) but the related effects of pain on activity and sleep can be measured objectively with actigraphy.