Pilot research has been conducted investigating the feasibility of a group-based progressive strength training program in nursing home residents, and what effect this exercise training program has on a number of different variables that potentially impact an individual's quality of life. My second area of interest involves pain perception. The focus of this research involves whether exercise is associated with an analgesic effect. Prior research that we conducted in the laboratory indicated that aerobic exercise, as well as resistance exercise is associated with an increase in pain threshold. Very little, however, is known about specific parameters surrounding the alleviation of pain with exercise.
Current research is focused on the interaction between cardiovascular and pain regulatory systems.
There are several lines of evidence that suggest an interaction between blood pressure and pain responsivity, but very little research has investigated the interaction between blood pressure and pain perception during or following exercise. Perception of pain after resistance exercise. Psychological effects of an aerobic exercise session and rest session following pregnancy. The thermogenic hypothesis. Perception of pain following acute physical activity.