Physical activity and racial discrimination involvement in pain sensitivity in Asian Americans and non-Hispanic...

Little is known about racial differences in pain between Asian-American (AsA) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) adults. Physical activity (PA) and racial discrimination may explain racial differences in pain, but more research is warranted with AsA individuals.

This study examined the racial differences in pain sensitivity and PA between AsA and NHW adults and association of racial discrimination with pain sensitivity in AsA adults.

This case-control study was conducted with 33 AsA and 27 NHW healthy adults at the age between 18 and 35. Laboratory pain sensitivity was assessed via pain ratings during cold pressor test (CPT) that consisted of immersing the right hand into cold-water bath for 2 minutes and completion status of CPT. Daily life pain sensitivity was assessed via the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ), Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNES), and Social Pain Questionnaire (SPQ). Physical activity was assessed via the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ). Lifetime racial discrimination was assessed via the Subtle and Blatant Racism Scale for AsA (SABRS-A²).

Asian-American participants exhibited higher cold pain ratings, PSQ scores, and SPQ scores, and more AsA participants did not complete CPT compared to NHW participants. AsA participants exhibited lower BPAQ scores compared to NHW participants, but the PA levels did not explain the racial differences in pain sensitivity. The SABRS-A² scores were associated with the PSQ scores.

Racial differences in pain sensitivity exist between AsA and NHW adults but are not explained by PA. Racial discrimination may contribute to the racial differences.