BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex chronic pain condition that is 
difficult to treat. The prevailing approach is an integration of 
pharmacological, psycho-educational, and behavioral strategies. Information 
technology offers great potential for FM sufferers to systemically monitor 
symptoms as well as potential impacts of various management strategies.
AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate effects of a web-based, self-monitoring and 
symptom management system (SMARTLog) that analyzes personal self-monitoring data 
and delivers data-based feedback over time.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were self-referred, anonymous, and recruited via 
publicity on FM advocacy websites. Standardized instruments assessed health 
status, self-efficacy, and locus of control at baseline and monthly during 
participation. Subjects were encouraged to complete the SMARTLog several times 
weekly. Within-subject, univariate, and multivariate analyses were used to 
derive classification trees for each user associating specific behavior 
variables with symptom levels over time.
RESULTS: Moderate use (3 times weekly x 3 months) increased likelihood of 
clinically significant improvements in pain, memory, gastrointestinal problems, 
depression, fatigue, and concentration; heavy use (4.5 times weekly x five 
months) produced the above plus improvement in stiffness and sleep difficulties.
CONCLUSIONS: Individualized, web-based behavioral self-monitoring with 
personally-tailored feedback can enable FM sufferers to significantly reduce 
symptom levels over time.