In an experimental study issued in "Scientific Reports", fibromyalgia patients using rumination as a coping mechanism after physical activity experienced impaired recovery when compared to the distraction method. This supported the notion that rumination could potentially contribute to pain onset and persistence.

The researchers aimed to examine the impact of inducing rumination (i.e. a sequence of recurring, passive, and somewhat uncontrollable thoughts centred on negative subject matter) vs distraction on pain intensity, discomfort related to pain, and the affect following physical activity in fibromyalgia sufferers. Overall, 47 individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia were randomized to experience either distraction or rumination induction following physical activity in an ecological setting.

Pain intensity, discomfort related to pain, and impact were assessed at baseline, after physical activity, and following either rumination or distraction induction. A set of mixed-design ANOVAs indicated that inducing rumination following physical activity hinders individuals' recovery in discomfort and pain intensity, though not in affect, when contrasted with the distraction condition.

To sum up, individuals with fibromyalgia who engage in rumination after physical activity experience lesser recovery from their pain in comparison with those undergoing distraction induction. These results support the partial model of rumination in chronic pain, affirming the idea that rumination may play an influential role in pain initiation and perpetuation.