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01-01-2019 | Original Article

Hypoalgesia after bicycling at lactate threshold is reliable between sessions

Authors: Henrik Bjarke Vaegter, Louise Kathrine Bjerregaard, Mia-Maja Redin, Sara Hartung Rasmussen, Thomas Graven-Nielsen

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Exercise decreases pain sensitivity known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). However, the consistency of EIH after an acute exercise protocol based on subjective ratings of perceived exertion has been questioned. Objectives were to compare the effect on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) after bicycling with work-rate at the lactate threshold compared with quiet rest, and investigate between-session reliability of EIH.

Methods

Thirty-four healthy subjects completed three sessions with 7 days in-between. In session 1, the lactate threshold was determined via blood samples (finger-tip pinprick, > 2 mmol/l increase from warm-up) during a graded bicycling task. In session 2 and 3, all subjects performed (1) 15 min quiet-rest, and (2) 15 min bicycling (work-rate corresponding to the lactate threshold) in the two identical sessions. PPTs at the quadriceps and trapezius muscles were assessed before and after both conditions. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlations (ICCs).

Results

Bicycling increased quadriceps PPT compared with quiet-rest in both sessions [mean difference: 45 kPa (95% CI 19–72 kPa), P = 0.002]; however, the increase in trapezius PPT was not significant after exercise. The EIH responses demonstrated fair between-session test–retest reliability (quadriceps: ICC = 0.45; trapezius: ICC = 0.57, P < 0.05), and agreement in EIH responders and non-responders between sessions was significant (quadriceps: κ = 0.46 and trapezius: κ = 0.43, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, bicycling at the lactate threshold increased PPT at the exercising muscle with fair reliability of the local EIH response. The results have implications for future EIH studies in subjects with and without pain and for clinicians who design exercise programs for pain relief.

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Title: Hypoalgesia after bicycling at lactate threshold is reliable between sessions
Authors: Henrik Bjarke Vaegter
Louise Kathrine Bjerregaard
Mia-Maja Redin
Sara Hartung Rasmussen
Thomas Graven-Nielsen
Publication date: 01-01-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-4002-0

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Hypoalgesia after bicycling at lactate threshold is reliable between sessions

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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