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Consistent pattern between physical activity measures and chronic pain levels: the Tromsø Study 2015 to 2016
Mats Kirkeby Fjeld1,2, Anders Pedersen Årnes3, Bo Engdahl1
1Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
Pain
|September 9, 2022
Summary
Higher physical activity levels are consistently linked to reduced chronic pain, including moderate-to-severe cases. This inverse dose-response relationship holds true across various physical activity measures.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Pain Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Existing research on physical activity and chronic pain lacks consistency.
- A comprehensive assessment using objective and subjective measures is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity and chronic pain.
- To examine dose-response relationships using diverse physical activity metrics.
- To differentiate associations based on pain severity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Tromsø Study (2015-2016).
- Employed self-reported and accelerometer-based physical activity measures (steps, MVPA).
- Assessed chronic pain and moderate-to-severe chronic pain using Poisson regression.
Main Results:
- An inverse dose-response relationship was observed between all physical activity measures and chronic pain.
- This association was stronger for moderate-to-severe chronic pain.
- Exercise duration showed a dose-response link specifically with moderate-to-severe pain.
Conclusions:
- Consistent inverse dose-response association between physical activity and chronic pain.
- Increased physical activity is linked to decreased prevalence of chronic pain.
- Findings support physical activity interventions for chronic pain management.
