“Study Shows Exercise Increases Pain Threshold: Benefits of Physical Activity”

Yes, yes, yes, we do know, exercising is healthy. For your mental and physical condition and a whole lot of other things. But new research shows that exercise also raises your pain threshold. Another reason to get off the couch.

New Norwegian research, true the scientific Sciences writes about, shows that our tolerance for pain is increased by sport. The scientists examined 10,000 participants and discovered: the more exercise, the higher the pain threshold.

Research on sports and pain threshold

Researchers have previously concluded that more physical activity would reduce or even prevent chronic pain. This is because the pain threshold increased. But for the Norwegian study, the scientists went even deeper into the matter. They used data from a long-term population study and specific studies on pain tolerance. Participants had to keep their hand in ice cold water for as long as possible. By the way, wrote Metro earlier about a similar study, also with a bowl of ice-cold water. At the time, the researchers concluded that verbal abuse also increases the pain threshold and improves sports performance.

According to the Norwegian researchers, the active participants appeared to have a higher pain threshold than the participants with a non-active lifestyle. And the people who exercised a lot during the study periods had an even higher pain threshold.

More exercise for chronic pain

According to the researchers, these outcomes are interesting for people with chronic pain. “Being and staying physically active for long periods of time can raise your pain threshold. Whatever you do about exercise, the most important thing is that you do something,” the researchers said.

Researcher Anders Årnes explains that there appeared to be small differences in the type of training. For example, it turned out that a so-called High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) resulted in a higher pain tolerance than, for example, a moderate intensive endurance training. But the most important discovery is that activity is better than inactivity. That is why the researchers recommend choosing an activity that you persevere, can incorporate into your daily life and that you enjoy. “Then you last longer and associate the discomfort you experience during exercise with something positive and enjoyable.” The results, according to the scientists, were clear. There were also no differences between men and women.

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