Comparable conditioned pain modulation and augmented blood pressure responses to cold pressor test among resistance exercisers compared to healthy controls

Abstract

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) test examines central pain inhibitory processing. Aerobically-trained individuals show greater CPM. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding CPM among resistance exercise-trained individuals, although regular engagement in resistance exercise may lead to greater CPM via augmented blood pressure (BP) responses during the CPM test. Therefore, the present study compared CPM and BP responses between resistance exercisers (REs) and controls (n = 15 per group). The participants completed the CPM test to evaluate changes in electrical pain ratings to the ankle after cold pressor test (CPT) consisting of immersing a hand into a cold water bath compared to baseline. REs and controls exhibited similar CPM, although REs showed greater systolic BP responses to CPT compared to controls. The results suggest that the role of BP in CPM is likely complex, and the role of exercise in central pain processing and cardiovascular system needs to be studied.