Aerobic Training Increases Pain Tolerance in Healthy Individuals

UNLABELLED: 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 wk of structured aerobic exercise training (n = 12) or after 6 wk of usual physical activity (n = 12). The exercise training regimen consisted of cycling three 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 after training, whereas 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- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise training increases ischemic pain tolerance in healthy individuals.