Comparing the Effects of Upper and Lower Body Resistance Training on Pain Sensitivity

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Resistance exercise may immediately lessen the perception of pain. The purpose of this study is compare the effects of an upper body exercise to a lower body exercise on the perception of pain (pressure pain threshold).

Official Title
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Comparing the Effects of Upper and Lower Body Resistance Training on Pain Sensitivity

Conditions
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Healthy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Lower Body Resistance Exercise
* Other: Upper Body Resistance Exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: pain free Exclusion Criteria: non-English speaking regular use of prescription pain medications current or history of chronic pain condition currently taking blood-thinning medication any blood clotting disorder medical conditions known to affect sensation, such as: uncontrolled diabetes or neurological conditions any contraindication to the application of ice, including: uncontrolled hypertension, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, circulatory compromise not physically ready to exercise without a medical exam as indicated by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Plus (PAR-Q+) surgery, injury, or fracture within the past 6 months unable to perform exercise portions of the study unable to attend three sessions pregnant

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Lower Body Resistance Exercise<br>Participants will perform a leg extension exercise with weight that is 75% of their estimated 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for 3 sets of 10 repetitions. | Other: Lower Body Resistance Exercise<br>* Participants will complete a leg extension exercise with weight equivalent to 75% of their estimated 1-repetition maximum 3 sets, 10 repetitions.<br>|
| Experimental: Upper Body Resistance Exercise<br>Participants will perform a shoulder press with weight that is 75% of their estimated 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for 3 sets of 10 repetitions. | Other: Upper Body Resistance Exercise<br>* Participants will complete a leg extension exercise with weight equivalent to 75% of their estimated 1-repetition maximum 3 sets, 10 repetitions.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Heat Pain Threshold | A thermode will gradually warm up from 32 degrees Celsius until the participant reports the sensation changes from comfortable warmth to slightly unpleasant pain. The temperature at threshold will be recorded. | Heat pain threshold will be applied to the quadriceps, deltoid, and low back immediately before and immediately after each exercise (pre/post). | 
| Pressure Pain Threshold | Pressure will be applied with a digital algometer. Pressure will be gradually increased until the participant reports the sensation changes from comfortable pressure to slightly unpleasant pain. The pressure at threshold will be recorded. | Pressure pain threshold will be applied to the quadriceps, deltoid, and low back immediately before and immediately after each exercise (pre/post). |