Article

We aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on pain perception,
sensitivity, and health-related quality of life; to assess its effect on parasympathetic tonus by analysis of heart rate recovery; and to examine the
effects of parasympathetic tone on pain sensitivity in patients with chronic
musculoskeletal pain.
Fifty patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain were
randomized into two groups: control group (C group) and aerobic exercise group
(AE group). Both groups received conventional physical therapy for 2 weeks; the
AE group performed submaximal aerobic exercise on a treadmill for 30 min
additionally. Exercise test, pressure-pain threshold measurement, short form-36,
and visual analog scale were administered initially and finally for evaluation.
Visual analog scale scores in both groups decreased significantly after treatment
(P<0.001). Pressure-pain threshold sum increased significantly in the AE group,
remaining unchanged in the C group. Increase in exercise test duration was
significant in the AE group compared with the C group (P=0.0002). Heart rate
recovery did not change with therapy in the groups. For short form-36, the AE
group showed alterations in role limitations because of physical problems and
general health perceptions;
both groups showed a significant improvement in the
physical function and bodily pain subscales, but mental health significantly
improved only in C group. Short-term aerobic exercise along with conventional
physical therapy decreased pain sensitivity and increased aerobic capacity, with
significant improvements in health-related quality of life.

Langue : ANGLAIS