Pain Threshold
Conditions
Keywords
Stretch tolerance, Stretching Exercises, Exercise induced hypoalgesia
Brief summary
This study investigates the role of two endogenous inhibitory mechanisms; exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) and a conditioning painful stimulus (CPM) on passive joint range of motion, passive resistive torque and pain sensitivity. The study is a randomized, repeated-measures cross-over study.
Detailed description
The increase in range of motion following stretching is related to changes in the tolerance to stretch. The mechanistic relationships behind these changes in subject sensation are however unknown but could be related to endogenous modulation of pain.
Interventions
OTHERExercise induced hypoalgesia (EIH)
An EIH response was induced by a 3-minute isometric contraction of the hand flexor muscles at 25% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC).
OTHERStatic stretch (SS)
Two bouts of 30 seconds of static stretching (SS) of the knee flexors.
OTHERRest
The participants rested in a seated position for 10 minutes
A CPM response was induced by way of the cold pressor test.
Sponsors
University College of Northern Denmark
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Masking description
Participants were blinded to the results of all measurements and naïve to research hypotheses.
Intervention model description
This was a randomized, repeated-measures cross-over study. Passive knee extension range of motion was measured three consecutive times with five-minute intervals between measurements. Both groups underwent a static stretch protocol consisting of two bouts of thirty-second constant-angle static stretching of the knee flexors with a one-minute rest between bouts. Subjects were instructed to keep the limb relaxed as the lower leg was passively moved towards extension. Following stretching, the post-stretch measurement was performed. Finally, subjects in the pain group were instructed to immerse their non-dominant hand into a container with circulating water at 1˚C to 4˚C and keep it there for 2 minutes. A Biodex system 4 pro dynamometer was used to quantify range of motion and passive resistive torque. Pressure pain thresholds was assessed using a handheld pressure algometer (Somedic AB, Hörby, Sweden).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Eligibility for participation included the absence of any pain or other conditions that might affect the somatosensory system.
Exclusion criteria
* Substance abuse, History of neurological or mental disabilities, Lack of ability to comply with instructions, Delayed onset of muscle soreness.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Knee extension range of motion | Passive knee extension range of motion was measured as a baseline just prior to the induction of exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), Static stretch (SS), Rest and a conditioning painful stimulus (CPM) | Passively induced knee extension range of motion was measured using the Biodex system 4 pro isokinetic dynamometer |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Passive resistive torque | Passive resistive torque was measured as a baseline just prior to the induction of EIH, SS, Rest and CPM | Passive resistive torque during the passive knee extension motion was measured using the Biodex system 4 pro isokinetic dynamometer. |
| Pressure pain thresholds | Pressure pain thresholds were measured as a baseline just prior to the induction of EIH, SS, Rest and CPM | Pressure pain thresholds was measures using a handheld pressure algometer (Somedic AB, Hörby, Sweden. |
Countries
Denmark
Outcome results
None listed