Association Between Interoceptive Accuracy and Pain Perception: Insights From Trained Musicians and Athletes

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Sensorimotor training integrates multisensory information, potentially enhancing interoception and altering pain perception.
• Previous research shows mixed results regarding training modality and pain stimulus effects.
• This study investigates the specific associations between different sensorimotor training types, interoception, and pain perception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how distinct sensorimotor training (musicians vs. athletes) influences interoceptive accuracy and pain perception.
• To explore the relationship between training duration, interoceptive accuracy, and pain thresholds.
• To elucidate the pathways linking sensorimotor training, interoception, and pain modulation.

Main Methods:

• Recruited musicians, athletes, and a control group.
• Assessed cardiac interoceptive accuracy (IAcc) and quantitative sensory tests (mechanical, electrical, pressure, heat pain thresholds).
• Included music-related discrimination tasks and physical activity self-reports.

Main Results:

• Athletes showed superior interoceptive accuracy and pressure pain thresholds compared to controls.
• Musicians displayed increased heat pain sensitivity.
• Training duration positively predicted interoceptive accuracy; pressure pain thresholds correlated with interoceptive accuracy and training, but via independent pathways.

Conclusions:

• Sensorimotor training enhances interoceptive accuracy, supporting the role of multisensory integration.
• Pain processing differs based on training modality and pain stimulus type.
• Findings reveal distinct pathways for training's effects on interoception and pain, offering insights for clinical applications.