Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
9 p.
Publication Date
1-2015
Publisher
American College of Sports Medicine
Source Publication
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Source ISSN
0195-9131
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000381
Abstract
Introduction: Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is the concept that pain inhibits pain and has potential rehabilitation implications for exercise prescription. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in pressure pain perception after a thermal conditioning stimulus (i.e., CPM) was attenuated with aging and whether CPM predicted pain relief after exercise (exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH)) in healthy young and older adults.
Methods: Twenty young (21.9 ± 3.3 yr, 10 men) and 19 older (72.0 ± 4.5 yr, 10 men) adults participated in three sessions: one familiarization and two experimental (EIH and CPM) sessions. Pressure pain perception was assessed using a weighted Lucite edge placed on the right index finger for 1 min. EIH was determined by measuring pressure pain perception before and after prolonged submaximal isometric contraction of the elbow flexors. CPM was assessed by measuring pressure pain perception at the finger while the foot was immersed in neutral water versus painful ice water.
Results: Young, but not older, adults reported a decrease in pressure pain at the finger while their foot was immersed in the ice water bath compared with the neutral bath (i.e., CPM, trial–age: P = 0.001). Pressure pain ratings decreased after exercise (P = 0.03) that was perceived as painful (peak arm pain, 7.0 ± 3.3) for both young and older adults. Regression analysis showed that after controlling for age and baseline pain, CPM predicted EIH (model adjusted R2 = 0.23, P = 0.007).
Conclusions: CPM was attenuated in older adults, as measured with a noxious pressure stimulus after a thermal conditioning stimulus, and adults with greater CPM were more likely to report greater EIH.
Recommended Citation
Lemley, Kathy J.; Hunter, Sandra K.; and Bement, Marie K. Hoeger, "Conditioned Pain Modulation Predicts Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in Healthy Adults" (2015). Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications. 68.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/exsci_fac/68
Comments
Accepted version. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Vol. 47, No. 1 (January 2015): 176-184. DOI. © 2015 American College of Sports Medicine. Used with permission.