# 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 tension-type 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.

Read the full publication [**here**](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40122-021-00336-y).

## Related Therapeutic Areas:

- [Chronic Pain](/content/therapeutic-area/chronic-pain/index.html)
- [Neurology](/content/therapeutic-area/neurology/index.html)