Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Published on: January 22, 2012
Effect of isometric exercise on pain perception and blood pressure in men and women
K F Koltyn1, M R Trine, A J Stegner
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin--Madison; Madison, WI 53706-1189, USA. Koltyn@education.wisc.edu
Purpose:
To examine the influence of isometric handgrip exercise (ISO EX) on pain perception and blood pressure in men and women.
Methods:
Fifteen men and 16 women completed max and submax ISO EX consisting of squeezing a hand dynamometer with the right hand as hard as possible for the max session, and squeezing between 40% and 50% of max for 2 min for the submax session. Pain thresholds (PT), pain ratings (PR), blood pressure (SBP and DBP), and heart rate (HR) were assessed while a noxious pressure stimulus was applied to the right forefinger for 2 min before and after ISO EX. Data were analyzed with a 2 (gender) x 2 (trials) ANOVA.
Results:
Results indicated a significant trials effect and a significant gender by trials interaction (P < 0.05) for PT for the max and submax sessions. Women had lower PT before ISO EX in comparison with the men. In addition, PT for the women increased significantly after ISO EX but did not change for the men. There were significant gender and trials effects (P < 0.05) for SBP for the submax session. Women had lower SBP before ISO EX, and SBP increased after ISO EX. DBP was also found to be lower (P < 0.05) in women before max and submax ISO EX, with DBP increasing after submax ISO EX in men and women. PR were found to be lower after max ISO EX in men and women, whereas PR were found to be lower in women after submax ISO EX.
Conclusion:
It is concluded that: 1) men and women differed in PT, SBP, and DBP before ISO EX; and 2) analgesia after ISO EX is observed more consistently in women.
Related Concept Videos
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes

