Aerobic training increases pain tolerance in healthy individuals
Matthew D Jones1, John Booth, Janet L Taylor
11School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, AUSTRALIA; and 2Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, AUSTRALIA.
Unlabelled:
The hypoalgesic effects of acute exercise are well documented. However, the effect of chronic exercise training on pain sensitivity is largely unknown.
Purpose:
To examine the effect of aerobic exercise training on pain sensitivity in healthy individuals.
Methods:
Pressure pain threshold, ischemic pain tolerance and pain ratings during ischemia were assessed in 24 participants before and after 6 wk of structured aerobic exercise training (n = 12) or after 6 wk of usual physical activity (n = 12). The exercise training regimen consisted of cycling three times per week for 30 min at 75% of maximal oxygen consumption reserve.
Results:
Significant increases in aerobic fitness (P = 0.004) and ischemic pain tolerance (P = 0.036) were seen in the exercise group after training, whereas pressure pain threshold and pain ratings during ischemia were unchanged (P > 0.2). No change in aerobic fitness (P > 0.1) or pain sensitivity (P > 0.1) was observed in the control group.
Conclusion:
Moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise training increases ischemic pain tolerance in healthy individuals.
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