The influence of physical activity on the nociceptive flexion reflex in healthy people.

Evy Dhondt Lieven Danneels Sophie Van OosterwijckTanneke PalmansJohan RijckaertJessica Van Oosterwijck

Published in: European journal of pain (London, England) (2020)

The present study provides preliminary evidence that the influencing effects of physical activity on pain are the result of a strong descending control and do not purely rely on supraspinal mechanisms. These study results highlight the importance of considering physical activity levels when evaluating nociceptive processing, given the prognostic value of physical activity in spinal nociception. Furthermore, this study encourages future research to examine the effects of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise programmes on spinal nociception in chronic pain populations.

Keyphrases

physical activity
chronic pain
body mass index
high intensity
spinal cord
pain management
depressive symptoms