The Effect of Aerobic Exercise in Alexithymic Individuals With Chronic Pain

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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It was aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on pain, alexithymia level and quality of life in young alexithymic individuals with chronic pain. There is no study in the literature comparing the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on alexithymia and chronic pain. Since our study will be the first study to investigate the subject, we foresee that it is scientifically important and will shed light on future studies. In addition, it is planned to make national or international papers and publications after the study is completed.

Detailed Description
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In the study, after the necessary permissions are obtained, the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (ECAS) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) will be sent to the students who are studying at KTO Karatay University and whose age range is between 18-25 years. Among the students who fill out the form voluntarily, individuals who mark the 3rd or 4th option in the first question in the DKAS and who have a total score of 52 and above in the TAS-20 scale will be identified. Among these individuals, a total of 40 people will be included in the study randomly with a computer program. These participants will again be randomly divided into two groups as the control group (n=20) and the exercise group (n=20).

Official Title
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The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Pain, Alexithymia Level and Quality of Life in Alexithymic Individuals With Chronic Pain

Conditions
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Chronic Pain, Quality of Life, Alexithymia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Aerobic Exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: To be between the ages of 18-25 To mark the 3rd or 4th option in the first question in the DKAS To have a TAS-20 total score of 61 and above Exclusion Criteria: Presence of any physiological or psychological disease that may interfere with the exercise protocol to be applied

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 25 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Aerobic Exercise<br>Participants assigned to aerobic exercise training will walk on a treadmill (RodbyTM, RL 1600E, Enhorna, Sweden) for 40 minutes at an intensity of 60-75% of maximum heart rate (220-age formula) three times per week for 8 weeks. The heart rate of the participants will be measured with an electric heart rate monitor throughout the session. | Other: Aerobic Exercise<br>* Participants assigned to aerobic exercise training will walk on a treadmill (RodbyTM, RL 1600E, Enhorna, Sweden) for 40 minutes at an intensity of 60-75% of maximum heart rate (220-age formula) three times per week for 8 weeks. The heart rate of the participants will be measured with an electric heart rate monitor throughout the session.<br>|
| No Intervention: Control<br> | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Alexithymia | Alexithymia levels will be assessed on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 before and after work. | Change from Baseline Alexithymia after 8 week exercise | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pain levels | Pain levels will be assessed on the VAS before and after work. | Change from Baseline pain after 8 week exercise | 
| Quality of Life levels | Quality of life levels will be assessed on the SF36 before and after work. | Change from Baseline quality of life after 8 week exercise |