Ruble, S. B., Shepanski, M. A., Hoffman, M. D., Valic, Z., Buckwalter, J. B., & Clifford, P. S. (2000). Does exercise intensity influence pain perception. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 197.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if exercise at 50% VO2max altered pressure pain perception similarly to exercise at 75% VO2max.

Ss (N = 10) performed exercise and were subjected to a 2-min pressure pain stimulation of the non-dominant index finger. Pain ratings were taken at 10-s intervals during the pain stimulation. Exercise bout intensities of 50% and 75% VO2max were performed for 30 minutes.

Both intensities decreased pain perceptions at five minutes post-exercise but not at 30 minutes.

Implication. Aerobic exercise at >50% VO2max intensity reduces pain perception soon after exercise completion.

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