Chronic pain is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, including emotions and environmental context. Prior research demonstrates that emotional states and psychosocial processes such as depression, fear-avoidance, and catastrophizing significantly shape the pain experience. Professional sports fandom is known to influence emotional well-being, but its relationship to chronic pain has not yet been examined. This longitudinal observational study aims to evaluate whether weekly performance outcomes of participants' favorite U.S. professional football (NFL) teams are associated with fluctuations in self-reported pain intensity, depression, and pain catastrophization among adults with chronic pain who identify as avid football fans. Participants will complete weekly online surveys throughout the NFL regular season, reporting pain ratings (NPRS) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-2). Team performance (win/loss, played/did not play, rival results) will be recorded by the research team. The study seeks to determine whether sports-related emotional fluctuations correlate with changes in chronic pain experiences.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Pain Intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale - NPRS)
Timeframe: Weekly assessments from study enrollment through the end of the NFL regular season (approximately September 2025 to January 2026).
Depressive Symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 - PHQ-2)
Timeframe: Weekly assessments from study enrollment through the end of the NFL regular season (approximately September 2025 to January 2026).