Thesis
A self-paced approach to exercise-induced hypoalgesia
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004273
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/124603
Abstract
Background: Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is the generalized reduction of pain that occurs following exercise. While there is significant evidence for EIH following vigorous exercise among healthy populations, the effects of exercise on pain in those with chronic pain is much less understood. Objective: The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the relationship between self-paced aerobic exercise and exercise-induced hypoalgesia in young adults with chronic pain. A secondary aim of this study was to determine whether gender differences exist in both baseline pain sensitivity and the EIH response. Methods: 120 young adults with chronic pain (ages 18-29) were randomly assigned into either a 15 min self-paced exercise condition or a 15 min quiet rest condition. Subjective pain ratings were measured before and after both conditions and at the end-of-the day. Results: Both individuals who participated in exercise and those who completed quiet rest reported lower pain ratings immediately following the task, F(1,86) = 9.54, p < .001. However, only participants in the exercise condition experienced reductions in pain from post-exercise to the end-of-the day. Among those who participated in exercise, 60% experienced hypoalgesia. The main effect of time was significant indicating that participants who completed the exercise task reported decreased levels of pain from baseline to the other three time points (during, post, and end-of-the day) (F(3,69) = 7.34, p < .001). The time*gender interaction was not significant (p = .15). Conclusion: Physical activity is an important treatment outcome for those in pain and has potential as a preventative intervention. Current findings suggest that pain is significantly reduced during self-paced exercise for young adults with chronic pain, and the hypoalgesic effect appears to continue through the end of the day. These results promote the use of a self-paced approach to exercise for individuals with chronic pain.
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Details
- Title
- A self-paced approach to exercise-induced hypoalgesia
- Creators
- Maria Nadine Moylan
- Contributors
- Jessica Fales (Advisor) - Washington State University, Psychology, Department of
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Psychology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900896414001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis