• David Attali, Floriane Leguay, Lola Milcent, and Carolina Baeza-Velasco.
• Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France.
• Clin J Pain. 2023 Aug 1; 39 (8): 426435426-435.

ObjectivesChronic pain is a major health problem given its high prevalence and its multiple consequences on the physical and psychological functioning of patients. It is therefore important to determine the relationship between these consequences and pain management strategies such as activity pacing. This review aimed to examine the association between activity pacing and the level of negative emotions in chronic pain. A second objective was to explore sex differences in this association.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Three independent reviewers used a combination of keywords within four databases to include studies examining the link between pacing and negative emotions in chronic pain.ResultsPacing was associated with less negative emotions when measured using multidimensional tools, distinguishing it from avoidance, and highlighting the major components of pacing, such as maintaining a constant activity or conserving energy. Data did not allow examination of sex differences.DiscussionPacing is multidimensional and consists of various strategies of pain management which are not equally associated with negative emotions. It is important to use measures reflecting this conception to strengthen knowledges about the role of pacing in the development of negative emotions.Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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