The Influence of Baseline Sensitivity and Expectation on Exercise-induced Hypoalgesia in Young Healthy Adults

Quantitative Sensory Testing, Physical Activity, and Body Composition in Adults

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of baseline experimental pain sensitivity and expectation on the pain response following a single exercise session. Pain assessment will be done with different intensities of noxious stimuli. In addition, the expectation of how exercise impacts pain will be studied.

The relation between baseline pain sensitivity and the pain response following exercise is not clear. The aims of this study are to investigate the influence of baseline experimental pain sensitivity on the pain response following submaximal isometric exercise, and whether expectations would influence outcomes with subsequent exposure to exercise.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy adults
• English proficiency

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute pain condition
• Chronic pain condition
• Mental health disorder
• Cardiovascular disease
• Any chronic illness
• Difficulty with physical exercise
• Recent surgery
• Pulmonary disease
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Raynaud disease
• Claustrophobia