Hypoalgesia following isometric handgrip exercise with and without blood flow restriction is not mediated by discomfort nor changes in systolic blood pressure. Issue 5 (4th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Song, Jun Seob; Yamada, Yujiro; Wong, Vickie; Bell, Zachary W.; Spitz, Robert W.; Abe, Takashi; Loenneke, Jeremy P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 40:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 518
• Page End: 526
• Publication Date: 2022-03-04
• Subjects: Analgesia -- pain perception -- pain sensitivity -- pain threshold; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.2003569
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose was to examine the effect of isometric handgrip exercise with and without blood flow restriction on exercise-induced hypoalgesia at a local and non-local site, and its underlying mechanisms. Sixty participants (21 males & 39 females, 18–35 years old) completed 3 trials: four sets of 2-minute isometric handgrip exercise at 30% of maximum handgrip strength; isometric handgrip exercise with blood flow restriction at 50% of arterial occlusion pressure; and a non-exercise time-matched control. Pain thresholds increased similarly in both exercise conditions at a local (exercise conditions: ~0.45 kg/cm 2, control: ~-0.04 kg/cm 2 ) and non-local site (exercise conditions: ~0.37 kg/cm 2, control: ~-0.16 kg/cm 2 ). Blood flow restriction induced greater feelings of discomfort compared to exercise alone [median difference (95% credible interval) of 4.5 (0.5, 8.6) arbitrary units]. Blood pressure increased immediately after exercise (systolic: 10.3 mmHg, diastolic: 7.7 mmHg) and decreased in recovery. There was no within participant correlation between changes in discomfort and pressure pain threshold. A bout of isometric handgrip exercise with or without blood flow restriction can provide exercise-induced hypoalgesia at a local and non-local site. However, discomfort and changes in systolic blood pressure do not explain this response.