Influence of self-reported physical activity and sleep quality on conditioned pain modulation in the orofacial region

To evaluate the influence of self-reported physical activity and sleep quality on conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in the orofacial region.

Ninety healthy participants aged 18-50 years old were evenly distributed according to the level of physical activity into low, moderate, and high level. The classification of physical activity was based on modified criteria of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), considering intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) assessed sleep quality and the individuals were then classified as good or poor sleepers. CPM was assessed using the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the anterior temporalis as test stimulus and hand immersion in hot water as conditioning stimulus. ANOVA was applied to the data and Tukey's posttest was applied when the main effects or interactions were significant (p < 0.050).

There was no significant main effect of neither physical activity nor sleep quality on pain modulation. However, individuals who reported high level of physical activity and good quality of sleep had a greater pain modulation (- 0.60 ± 0.34) when compared with those who reported moderate (- 0.10 ± 0.25) and low level of physical activity (- 0.10 ± 0.52) and good sleep quality (p < 0.028).

Pain modulation seems to be more efficient in individuals who report a good sleep quality and a high level of physical activity.

Conditioned pain modulation is highly variable in healthy people. Therefore, a multifactorial approach should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of the efficacy of endogenous analgesia.