Over-activity cycle and pacing

Question 1

Over-activity cycle: Some prone to “pushing through” pain to accomplish a task…

Answer 1

believe in “good pain day” when they feel better and try to accomplish tasks which results in one or more rest days to recover

Question 2

some preoccupied with fears about harming themselves and avoid activity altogether

Answer 2

that’s all

Question 3

Over-activity cycle can lead to

Answer 3

Negative consequences (e.g., stress, anxiety, decreased efficiency,, lowered self-esteem, avoidance of an activity)

Question 4

Push-crash-burn cycle described (there’s an image in the slides)

Answer 4

Push through, the pain gets so sever that it results in extended rest (crash/burn), pushes again to make up for lost time, again crashes and burns. With pacing, the patient keeps a steady pace to avoid pain flares

Question 5

Advantages of pacing:

Answer 5

• Moderate, thoughtful pacing improves productivity
• Designated start and stop points can make reaching activity goals feel less overwhelming and more attainable
• Accomplishing tasks without adverse consequences (e.g., drastic pain increase) improves sense of self-efficacy, increases self-esteem, and helps combat negative emotions

Question 6

Time-based pacing (4 things):

Answer 6

1. Identifying an ACTIVITY that typically increases your pain (e.g., yard work)
2. Estimate ACTIVE time
   a. Approximately how long you can safely do the activity WITHOUT causing a significant increase in pain
   b. STOP when you’re still feeling okay
3. Estimate REST time
   a. How long you will need to rest before being active again
4. Keep TRACK of your active/rest schedule
   Common Reactions
   • I’ll never get anything done
   • It will take forever, and I just want to push through and get it done
   Response
   • Is it worth the extra pain?