Regular Exercise Boosts Pain Tolerance: New Study Reveals Implications for Chronic Pain

Regular Exercise May Boost Pain Tolerance

Regular exercise has been found to potentially increase pain tolerance, according to new research. This finding may have significant implications for individuals experiencing chronic pain. In a large observational study involving over 10,000 adults, researchers discovered that those who consistently engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity over a 7- to 8-year period reported the highest levels of pain tolerance. Surprisingly, even light exercise was associated with greater pain tolerance.

The Impact of Physical Activity on Pain Tolerance

Lead investigator Anders Pedersen Årnes, PT, MPH, research fellow and advisor at the University Hospital of North Norway, affiliated with the University of Tromsø, highlighted the importance of both the total amount of physical activity over time and the direction of change in activity level over time in relation to pain tolerance. This observational study suggests the possibility that increased physical activity might enhance pain tolerance.

Anything Is Better Than Nothing

The study drew data from the Tromsø health study, a prospective population-based health survey conducted periodically since 1974 among residents in Northern Norway. The research included 10,732 participants who completed surveys in 2007-2008 and again in 2015-2016. Data on physical activity, experimental pain tolerance, sex, sociodemographic covariates, and chronic pain were collected through questionnaires, biological samples, and clinical examination.

Measuring Pain Tolerance

The researchers assessed pain tolerance using the cold-pressor test (CPT), which involves participants submerging their hand in icy water for as long as possible. The findings revealed that CPT tolerance was 7% higher for those who consistently engaged in light exercise, 14% higher for those involved in moderate exercise, and 16% higher for individuals participating in vigorous exercise, compared to the sedentary group.

The Benefits of Habitual Physical Activity

"Engaging in habitual physical activity in leisure time is associated with higher pain tolerance," stated Årnes. The study emphasizes that any form of activity over time is better than leading a sedentary lifestyle. Furthermore, individuals who were initially sedentary but reported increased physical activity at follow-up also exhibited higher pain tolerance, although this finding did not reach statistical significance.

Moderate-to-Vigorous Exercise Yields the Highest Pain Tolerance

The study's results demonstrated that individuals who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous exercise over time achieved the highest pain tolerance. They exhibited a 20.4-second longer performance in the cold-pressor test compared to those who remained consistently sedentary (P < .001; 95% CI, 13.7 - 27.1). Notably, there was no significant difference in pain tolerance between men and women, and all participants experienced a decline in tolerance over time.

Further Research Required

Dr. Steven Cohen, chief of pain medicine and professor of Anesthesiology, Neurology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, commented on the study's strengths, highlighting the extended follow-up period and the inclusion of a large number of patients. He noted that although the study explored the relationship between general physical activity levels and acute pain, other studies have shown benefits for various forms of pain. This suggests that exercise is beneficial for individuals living with pain.

The findings of this research highlight the association between exercise and pain tolerance, and other studies have provided evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship. However, more research is needed to determine the mechanisms underlying these effects. Questions also remain regarding how exercise might impact pain tolerance and the risk of chronic pain. Investigators are currently working on a follow-up study to explore how exercise's effect on pain tolerance might influence the risk of developing chronic pain.

FAQs

1. Can light exercise really increase pain tolerance?

Yes, the study revealed that even light exercise was associated with greater pain tolerance. This suggests that any form of physical activity, no matter how gentle, can have a positive impact on pain tolerance levels.

2. Is there a difference in pain tolerance between men and women?

No, the study found no significant difference in pain tolerance between men and women. Both genders experienced similar benefits in terms of pain tolerance when engaging in regular exercise.

3. Does pain tolerance decline over time?

Yes, the study observed a decline in pain tolerance over time for all participants. However, individuals who consistently engaged in moderate-to-vigorous exercise experienced a slower decline in pain tolerance compared to sedentary individuals.

4. Can exercise reduce the risk of chronic pain?

While the study did not directly examine the relationship between exercise and chronic pain risk, previous research has indicated that exercise can have a positive impact on various forms of pain. Therefore, it is possible that regular exercise may help reduce the risk of developing chronic pain.

5. What are the next steps in this research?

The researchers are currently working on a follow-up study to further investigate the effect of exercise on pain tolerance and its potential influence on chronic pain risk. This future research will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between exercise and pain.