A Prospective Real-World Study Exploring Associations Between Passively Collected Tracker Data and Headache Burden Among Individuals with Tension-Type Headache and Migraine

Abstract

Introduction: Prevalence and burden of headache disorders in real-world settings is relatively unstudied. We explored the associations between passively collected activity data, headache burden, and quality of life in headache sufferers.Methods: Data from wearable activity tracking devices and daily short questionnaires were collected over 12 weeks to assess occurrence of headache, activity, quality of life and self-rated health. Variables were analyzed using a series of mixed-effects models and stratified based on headache type. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were used to analyze treatment preferences.Results: Behaviors inferred from activity tracker data suggested that individuals slept more, had reduced physical activity, and had lower maximum heart rate on days with headache. As headache-specific impact on quality of life increased, activity and maximum heart rate decreased and sleep increased. Headache days with higher self-rated health were associated with less napping, higher step count and maximum heart rate, correlating with increased activity. Migraineurs experienced greater burden in everyday life compared with tensiontype headache sufferers. Conclusion: This study adds to existing evidence that activity trackers can be used to quantify headache burden in real-world settings and aid in understanding symptom management.

Analyzing the Role of Stress and Rumination in Tension-Type Headaches and Migraine

“…Those suffering from migraines faced a greater daily life burden compared to individuals with TTH. This finding implies that lifestyle factors, possibly influenced by stress and rumination, play a role in the management of headache conditions (Cerrada et al, 2022). In summary, while direct evidence of rumination's impact on migraine and TTH is sparse, the existing research linking stress-related factors to these conditions suggests a significant, albeit indirect, connection.…”

“…Stress, sleep deprivation, and dehydration are common triggers for migraine, with individuals reporting higher rates of physical activity limitation and missed social events (Ali et al, 2023). Moreover, individuals with migraine and TTH experience reduced physical activity and increased sleep on days with headaches, indicating a significant impact on daily life (Cerrada et al, 2022). During the COVID-19 pandemic, headache attacks in children and adolescents with migraine became more frequent, associated with mood deterioration and poor sleep (Lim et al, 2022).…”

A survey of United States adult privacy perspectives and willingness to share real-world data

“…Yet, given that today billions of real-world data points can be generated from multiple and diverse sources by a single person, real-world data can be shared passively with researchers to understand clinical outcomes and health behavior in unprecedented ways, either before, following, or absent an intervention. [5][6][7] Moreover, sophisticated algorithms and data analytics procedures can be implemented to identify and recruit individuals who meet specific inclusion/exclusion criteria for a research study. [8][9][10] Analytical datasets comprised of real-world data are also augmenting existing clinical trial methodologies, such as through the use and development of external control arms for cancer and/or rare disease drug trials.…”

“…Health science and clinical research traditionally involves the collection of both survey and medical data. Yet, given that today billions of real-world data points can be generated from multiple and diverse sources by a single person, real-world data can be shared passively with researchers to understand clinical outcomes and health behavior in unprecedented ways, either before, following, or absent an intervention [5][6][7]. Moreover, sophisticated algorithms and data analytics procedures can be implemented to identify and recruit individuals who meet specific inclusion/exclusion criteria for a research study [8][9][10].…”

Social Media Listening and Digital Profiling Study of People With Headache and Migraine: Retrospective Infodemiology Study

“…Lack of training in diagnosing and managing headache disorders is also an important reason for inadequate headache health care [ 18 , 19 ]. Therefore, there is a growing interest in making use of technology for a better understanding and management of headache and migraine, for example, Migraine Buddy Application and Fitbit Application [ 14 , 20 ]. Several social media listening studies have helped strengthening and understanding patient experiences and have provided a source of real-world data, disease experiences, and health dynamics in populations, including postmarketing safety surveillance data [ 16 , 20 , 21 ].…”