Need another reason to work out?™ Aerobic Training Increases Pain Tolerance in Healthy Individuals

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2014 Feb 5. [Epub ahead of print]

Aerobic Training Increases Pain Tolerance in Healthy Individuals.

Jones MD, Booth J, Taylor JL, Barry BK.

Author information

• 1School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia 2Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.

Abstract

The hypoalgesic effects of acute exercise are well documented. However, the effect of chronic exercise training on pain sensitivity is largely unknown.

PURPOSE:

To examine the effect of aerobic exercise training on pain sensitivity in healthy individuals.

METHODS:

Pressure pain threshold, ischemic pain tolerance and pain ratings during ischemia were assessed in 24 participants before and after 6 weeks of structured aerobic exercise training (n=12) or following 6 weeks of usual physical activity (n=12). The exercise training regimen consisted of cycling 3 times per week for 30 min at 75% of maximal oxygen consumption reserve.

RESULTS:

Significant increases in aerobic fitness (p = 0.004) and ischemic pain tolerance (p = 0.036) were seen in the exercise group following training, while pressure pain threshold and pain ratings during ischemia were unchanged (p > 0.2). No change in aerobic fitness (p > 0.1) or pain sensitivity (p > 0.1) was observed in the control group.

CONCLUSION:

Moderate-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise training increases ischemic pain tolerance in healthy individuals.