Comparing Pain Relief Effects of Lower vs. Upper Limb Resistance Training A Randomized Study in Healthy Adults Aged 18 to 64

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how exercise-induced hypoalgesia, which is a reduced sensitivity to pain after exercise, differs when resistance training is applied to the lower limbs compared to the upper limbs. This randomized controlled trial involves healthy adults aged 18 to 64 years and aims to compare pain pressure thresholds in specific muscle groups after different exercise interventions. The study also includes a control group to observe differences without exercise intervention. Participants are divided into three groups one group performs lower limb resistance training using leg extensions, another performs upper limb resistance training with brachial biceps curls, and a control group remains seated without exercise. Both exercise groups complete 3 sets of 5 repetitions at a resistance level determined by their 5-repetition maximum 5RM, following a 5-minute warm-up on a cycle ergometer. The 5RM is assessed 72 hours before the intervention. During the study, pain pressure thresholds on the dominant quadriceps and brachial biceps are measured before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the exercise or rest period. Participants also complete questionnaires assessing physical activity, fatigue, and perceived exertion. The research aims to observe local and distant pain sensitivity changes based on the area of resistance training, with all testing conducted under controlled conditions.

Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia Differences Between Upper and Lower Limbs Resistance Training Interventions