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Niwa Y, Shimo K, Ohga S, Hattori T, Dokita A, Matsubara T. Effects of motor imagery using virtual reality on pain sensitivity and affect in healthy individuals: a prospective randomized crossover study. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2024; 25:612-619. [PMID: 38833679 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnae043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exercise induces a hypoalgesic response and improves affect. However, some individuals are unable to exercise for various reasons. Motor imagery, involving kinesthetic and visual imagery without physical movement, activates brain regions associated with these benefits and could be an alternative for those unable to exercise. Virtual reality also enhances motor imagery performance because of its illusion and embodiment. Therefore, we examined the effects of motor imagery combined with virtual reality on pain sensitivity and affect in healthy individuals. DESIGN Randomized crossover study. SETTING Laboratory. SUBJECTS Thirty-six participants (women: 18) were included. METHODS Each participant completed three 10-min experimental sessions, comprising actual exercise, motor imagery only, and motor imagery combined with virtual reality. Hypoalgesic responses and affective improvement were assessed using the pressure-pain threshold and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, respectively. RESULTS All interventions significantly increased the pressure-pain threshold at the thigh (P < .001). Motor imagery combined with virtual reality increased the pressure-pain threshold more than motor imagery alone, but the threshold was similar to that of actual exercise (both P ≥ .05). All interventions significantly decreased the negative affect of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Motor imagery combined with virtual reality exerted hypoalgesic and affective-improvement effects similar to those of actual exercise. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION The study was enrolled in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: UMIN000046095). The website for registration information is https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000052614.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Niwa
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University Graduate School, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2180, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Shimo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2180, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ohga
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2180, Japan
| | - Takafumi Hattori
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2180, Japan
| | - Ayaka Dokita
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University Graduate School, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2180, Japan
| | - Takako Matsubara
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University Graduate School, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2180, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2180, Japan
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Tomschi F, Ransmann P, Schmidt A, Hilberg T. Exercise induced hypoalgesia after a high intensity functional training: a randomized controlled crossover study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:182. [PMID: 39198898 PMCID: PMC11351546 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00969-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute physical activity often induces an acute reduction in pain sensitivity known as exercise induced hypoalgesia (EIH). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high intensity functional training (HIFT) on EIH compared to a control session. METHODS 50 (age: 26.0 ± 2.7; 23 female) participants successfully conducted this study consisting of a pre-experimental test as well as a 12-minute HIFT (body-weight exercises) and a 12-minute control (supervised breathing) session in a randomized crossover design. Pre and post, pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured at the ankles, knees, elbows, and forehead. RESULTS The HIFT resulted in a relative maximum and average heart rate of 96.2% (± 3.6%) and 91.1% (± 4.2%), respectively, and maximum and average RPE values of 19.1 (± 1.2) and 16.2 (± 1.4), respectively. Results reveal a significant 'Intervention' × 'Time point' interaction (p < 0.001) for PPT (pooled for one average value) with hypoalgesia observed following the HIFT (p < 0.001; pre: 56.0 ± 16.8, post: 61.6 ± 19.0 [Newton]) and no change following the control (p = 0.067; pre: 56.6 ± 18.4, post: 55.3 ± 18.9 [Newton]). Further, a significant 'Time' × 'Intervention' × 'Landmark' interaction effect (p = 0.024) is observed and all landmarks showed significant hypoalgesia following HIFT (p < 0.01), except for the right elbow and forehead. Following control, no hypoalgesia was observed at any landmark. Analysing male and female participants separately, it was observed that EIH occured only in men. CONCLUSION A HIFT using bodyweight exercises reduces pain sensitivity. Hence, combining strength and aerobically demanding exercises in a short but high intensity manner, as done in HIFT, can be seen as a usable tool to induce hypoalgesia. Yet, these results were observed only in male participants, necessitating future sex-specific research. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS00034391, retrospectively registered on the 4th of June 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Tomschi
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Pia Ransmann
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Alexander Schmidt
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Thomas Hilberg
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Abdelrahman AY, El-Kosery SM, Abbassy AH, Botla AM. Effect of aquatic exercise versus aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea and quality of life in adolescent females: A randomized controlled trial. PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 29:e2095. [PMID: 38767193 DOI: 10.1002/pri.2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary dysmenorrhea leads to significant gynecological consultations, school absenteeism, disrupted daily activities, and adversely affects overall quality of life (QOL). PURPOSE This study compared the effects of aquatic exercise versus aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea and QOL in adolescent females. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Sixty adolescent females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea with moderate to severe intensity were distributed randomly and equally into two groups was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06129708) the Registration Date, November 13, 2023; group A was treated by aquatic exercise for 12 weeks, while group B was treated by aerobic exercise for 12 weeks. Assessment of both groups before and after treatment involved evaluating dysmenorrhea severity using the WaLIDD Score, measuring pain intensity with the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), determining pressure pain threshold (PPT) with an algometry, and evaluating the QOL using EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Level (EQ-5D-3L) and EuroQol-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). RESULTS Both groups, A and B, experienced significant reductions in the WaLIDD score, NPRS, and all domains of EQ-5D-3L (p < 0.05), coupled with significant increases in PPT and EQ-VAS (p < 0.05). Posttreatment comparisons between the groups showed insignificant differences in WaLIDD score, NPRS, and PPT (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in EQ-5D-3L and a significant increase in EQ-VAS, favoring group A (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Both aquatic and aerobic exercises are effective methods in primary dysmenorrhea management and QOL improvement in adolescent females, with a better effect of aquatic exercise in enhancing QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soheir M El-Kosery
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy for Woman's Health, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amr H Abbassy
- Reproductive Health and Family Planning Department, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Afaf M Botla
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Department of Physical Therapy for Woman's Health, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Tomschi F, Herzig S, Hilberg T. Rowing and pain: does rowing lead to exercise-induced hypoalgesia? Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2024; 49:626-634. [PMID: 38181400 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Physical activity acutely alters pain processing known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). This randomized controlled crossover study investigated the effects of two different rowing exercises on EIH and to explore whether possible EIH effects are related to individual rowing specific performance. Fifty male experienced rowers conducted two rowing sessions (submaximal: 30 min of moderate rowing (70% of maximum heart rate); maximal: 350 m in an all-out fashion) and a control session. Pre and post exercise pain sensitivity was measured bilaterally using pressure pain thresholds (PPT; Newton (N)) at the elbow, knee, ankle, sternum, and forehead. Individual performance was determined as maximum watt/kg and was tested for correlations with changes in PPT. Higher PPT values were observed after maximal exercise at all landmarks with a mean change ranging from 2.5 ± 7.8 N (right elbow; p = 0.027; dz = 0.323) to 10.0 ± 12.2 N (left knee; p ≤ 0.001; dz = 0.818). The submaximal (range from -1.6 ± 8.8 N (Sternum; p = 0.205; dz = 0.182) to 2.0 ± 10.3 N (right ankle; p = 0.176; dz = 0.194)) and control session (range from -0.5 ± 7.6 N (left elbow; p = 0.627; dz = 0.069) to 2.6 ± 9.1 N (right ankle; p = 0.054; dz = 0.279)) did not induce changes. Relative performance levels were not correlated to EIH (range from: r = -0.129 (p = 0.373) at sternum to r = 0.176 (p = 0.221) at left knee). EIH occurred globally after a short maximal rowing exercise while no effects occurred after rowing for 30 min at submaximal intensity. EIH cannot be explained by rowing specific performance levels in experienced rowers. However, the sample may lack sufficient heterogeneity in performance levels to draw final conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Tomschi
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Steffen Herzig
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Thomas Hilberg
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Tomschi F, Schulz J, Stephan H, Hilberg T. Short all-out isokinetic cycling exercises of 90 and 15 s unlock exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Eur J Pain 2024. [PMID: 38632673 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute physical activity leads to exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). However, to what degree it can be induced by very short but highly intensive exercise is largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of two different short all-out isokinetic exercise sessions on EIH. METHODS Twenty young male participants underwent three different interventions (90, 15 s all-out isokinetic cycling, respectively, and control) after an individualized low-intensity warm-up in a randomized-controlled-crossover design. Before (pre), after warm-up (post 1) as well as immediately post-intervention (post 2) pain sensitivity was measured employing pressure pain thresholds (PPT; in N) at the elbow, knee and ankle joints as well as the sternum and forehead. Performance parameters (e.g. lactate, perceived exertion, heart rate) were documented. RESULTS A 'time' × 'intervention' × 'body site' interaction effect (p < 0.001, η2 partial = 0.110) was observed for PPT. Both isokinetic interventions resulted in EIH at all body sites, even after ruling out any warm-up effects, while effects were larger for 90 s (maximum increase of 25.7 ± 11.7 N) compared to 15 s (maximum increase of 19.3 ± 18.9 N), and control (maximum increase of 8.0 ± 6.1 N). Compared to control, 15 s also resulted in hypoalgesic effects and differences were not observed at all sites. In this study, 90 s resulted in higher lactate, subjective exhaustion and heart rate levels compared to 15 s and control (p < 0.001), while higher values were also observed for 15 s compared to control. CONCLUSION Global EIH assessed immediately after exercise can be induced by short highly intensive exercises. The effects are greater when the subjective and the objective exertion are higher as induced by the 90 s intervention. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study investigates the potential for brief, highly intensive exercise sessions to induce exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). The research demonstrates that EIH can indeed be triggered by such short workouts, with greater effects observed during a 90 s session compared to a 15 s one, most likely due to higher subjective and objective exertion. These findings offer insights into the potential for extremely brief but intense exercises to alleviate pain, impacting exercise recommendations and pain management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Tomschi
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jana Schulz
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Holger Stephan
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Thomas Hilberg
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Tomschi F, Schmidt A, Soffner M, Hilberg T. Hypoalgesia after aerobic exercise in healthy subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:574-588. [PMID: 38726662 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2352682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia (EIH) refers to an acute reduced pain perception after exercise. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effect of a single aerobic exercise session on local and remote EIH in healthy individuals, examining the role of exercise duration, intensity, and modality. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) are used as the main measure, applying the Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE approach for certainty of evidence assessment. Mean differences (MD; Newton/cm²) for EIH effects were analysed. Thirteen studies with 23 exercises and 14 control interventions are included (498 participants). Most studies used bicycling, with only two including running/walking and one including rowing. EIH occurred both locally (MD = 3.1) and remotely (MD = 1.8), with high-intensity exercise having the largest effect (local: MD = 7.5; remote: MD = 3.0) followed by moderate intensity (local: MD = 3.1; remote: MD = 3.0). Low-intensity exercise had minimal impact. Neither long nor short exercise duration induced EIH. Bicycling was found to be effective in eliciting EIH, in contrast to the limited research observed in other modalities. The overall evidence quality was moderate with many studies showing unclear risk biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Tomschi
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Alexander Schmidt
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Markus Soffner
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Thomas Hilberg
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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De la Corte-Rodriguez H, Roman-Belmonte JM, Resino-Luis C, Madrid-Gonzalez J, Rodriguez-Merchan EC. The Role of Physical Exercise in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Best Medicine-A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:242. [PMID: 38255129 PMCID: PMC10815384 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide a narrative review of the effects of physical exercise in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain and can aggravate it. For the management of musculoskeletal pain, physical exercise is an effective, cheap, and safe therapeutic option, given that it does not produce the adverse effects of pharmacological treatments or invasive techniques. In addition to its analgesic capacity, physical exercise has an effect on other pain-related areas, such as sleep quality, activities of daily living, quality of life, physical function, and emotion. In general, even during periods of acute pain, maintaining a minimum level of physical activity can be beneficial. Programs that combine several of the various exercise modalities (aerobic, strengthening, flexibility, and balance), known as multicomponent exercise, can be more effective and better adapted to clinical conditions. For chronic pain, the greatest benefits typically occur with programs performed at light-to-moderate intensity and at a frequency of two to three times per week for at least 4 weeks. Exercise programs should be tailored to the specific needs of each patient based on clinical guidelines and World Health Organization recommendations. Given that adherence to physical exercise is a major problem, it is important to empower patients and facilitate lifestyle change. There is strong evidence of the analgesic effect of physical exercise in multiple pathologies, such as in osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hortensia De la Corte-Rodriguez
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
- IdiPAZ Institute for Health Research, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M. Roman-Belmonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela University Hospital, 28003 Madrid, Spain; (J.M.R.-B.); (C.R.-L.)
- Medical School, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio (UAX), 28691 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Resino-Luis
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela University Hospital, 28003 Madrid, Spain; (J.M.R.-B.); (C.R.-L.)
| | - Jorge Madrid-Gonzalez
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Emerito Carlos Rodriguez-Merchan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
- Osteoarticular Surgery Research, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research—IdiPAZ (La Paz University Hospital—Autonomous University of Madrid), 28046 Madrid, Spain
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Hattori T, Ohga S, Shimo K, Matsubara T. Pathology of knee osteoarthritis pain: contribution of joint structural changes and pain sensitization to movement-evoked pain in knee osteoarthritis. Pain Rep 2024; 9:e1124. [PMID: 38274197 PMCID: PMC10810602 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Movement-evoked pain (MEP) is the primary symptom in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Objectives This study aimed to investigate the contribution of joint structural changes and pain sensitization to the mechanisms of MEP in patients with KOA. Methods A total of 86 patients were assessed for demographic characteristics, osteoarthritis severity, Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score-Hoffa synovitis and bone marrow lesions, pressure pain threshold and temporal summation of pain at the knee and forearm, Central Sensitization Inventory-9, and MEP. In measure of MEP, knee pain was scored using a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10) before and every minute during a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), and the MEP index was defined as the change in NRS pain score from baseline to the sixth minute of walking. Result On average, pain during 6MWT increased by 1.4 ± 1.5 points on the NRS relative to baseline, with 30.2% of patients showing an increase of 2 points or more. The hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that Hoffa synovitis, pressure pain threshold at the forearm, and temporal summation of pain at the knee were associated with the MEP index. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that both synovitis and neural mechanisms, such as pain sensitization, play a role in the development of MEP in KOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Hattori
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University Graduate School, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Maehara Orthopedics Rehabilitation Clinic, Obu, Aichi, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ohga
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Shimo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takako Matsubara
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University Graduate School, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
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