Effects of Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia at Different Aerobic Exercise Intensities in Healthy Young Adults

Abstract

Purpose Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is a reduction in pain sensitivity that occurs following a single bout of exercise. However, little research has compared the EIH effects of exercise at different intensities, including low intensity, in the same participant. It is unclear as to which exercise intensities demonstrate EIH more effectively. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the effect of different intensities of exercise on pain sensitivity in the same participant. Methods We included 73 healthy young adult volunteers (35 female and 38 male) in this experimental cross-over study. Each participant completed four experimental sessions of 30 min, consisting of aerobic exercise at 30% heart rate reserve (HRR), aerobic exercise at 50% HRR, aerobic exercise at 70% HRR, and quiet rest. EIH was assessed using the pressure pain threshold (PPT) and temporal summation of pain (TSP) in the quadriceps, biceps, and trapezius. Results Low- and moderate-intensity exercise increased the multisegmental PPT and reduced TSP (all P < 0.05). High-intensity exercise increased the multisegmental PPT (all P < 0.05), but decreased TSP in only the quadriceps and biceps ( P < 0.05), not the trapezius ( P = 0.13). We found no difference in relative PPT and TSP changes between exercise intensities ( P > 0.05) except for relative PPT change at the quadriceps ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Our results show that not only moderate- and high-intensity exercise, but also low-intensity exercise can produce a hypoalgesic response.

Mirror Therapy Reduces Pain and Preserves Corticomotor Excitability in Human Experimental Skeletal Muscle Pain

“…Thus, MT might have augmented CE of the motor-related area of the afflicted hand in the “MT and injection” group. The secondary effect was motor-related CE changes due to action observation that facilitates the CE involved in the observed movement (mirror neuron system) [ 29 ]. Here, the “MT and injection” group watched the exercising hand in the mirror, which might have facilitated CE in the movement-related areas of the hand with pain on the other side of the mirror.…”

“…We consider that the MT task in this study was a painless hand exercise that might reduce pain and promote recovery, as exercise decreases sensitivity to pain stimuli [ 29 ]. This phenomenon is called exercise-induced hypoalgesia and has recently achieved popularity as a concept that might be effective for treating patients with intractable chronic pain [ 42 , 43 , 44 ].…”

“…MT can enhance excitability in the motor limb and ipsilateral motor cortex [ 28 ]. Furthermore, considering the effectiveness of physical therapy in mitigating pain [ 29 ], combining MT with actual exercise might reduce pain.…”

Pathology of knee osteoarthritis pain: contribution of joint structural changes and pain sensitization to movement-evoked pain in knee osteoarthritis

“…Low-intensity exercise decreases pain sensitization in both exercise and nonexercise sites. 32 Moreover, a weight bearing exercise may have a greater analgesic effect than a non-weight bearing exercise in KOA. 7 Therefore, it may be beneficial to introduce low-intensity or nonloading exercises, in combination with patient education, for patients at risk of increased MEP.…”

Pathology of knee osteoarthritis pain: contribution of joint structural changes and pain sensitization to movement-evoked pain in knee osteoarthritis

“…Additionally, Meeus et al have advocated an approach that incorporates graded exercise in conjunction with pain neuroscience education for patients at risk for exercise-induced hyperalgesia 42 . Low-intensity exercise decreases pain sensitization in both exercise and non-exercise sites 43 . Moreover, a non-loading exercise may have a greater analgesic effect than a loading exercise in KOA 44 .…”