Effect of Three Intensities of Upper Limb Resistance Exercise on Pain Threshold and Perception, Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Non-Athlete Young Men

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of

3 MSc of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
There is no sufficient information about different effects of intensities of resistance exercise on pain relief. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to investigate the effect of different intensities of resistance exercise on the threshold, pain perception and cardiovascular responses.
Materials and Methods
Twelve non-athlete male Students with body mass index 21.42±2 kg/m2 and normal blood pressure (systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤ 129 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 84 ≥) were randomly selected as target and 4 resistance exercises with intensities of 40, 60 and 80% 1RM were performed with same volumes. The pain threshold and blood pressure was measured by Algiometer and sphygmomanometer ALPK2, respectively.
Results
SBP and heart rate (HR) increased significantly (P<0.05) immediately post exercise compared with pre exercise, in the exercise intensities of 40, 60 and 80% 1RM. Also, SBP and HR at minutes of 10, 15, 20 and 25 after the exercise were significantly reduced in comparison with immediately post exercise (P<0.05). DBP didn't have significant change after the mentioned intensities (P>0.05). Significant increase in pain threshold with intensity of 40% 1RM was observed up to 5 minutes post exercise. But, intensities of 60% and 80% didn’t change pain threshold post exercise significantly (P>0.05).
Conclusion
Based on the findings of this study, blood pressure and pain threshold interaction were observed in the lower intensity of resistance exercise that could indicate the effect of more duration and repetitions spent for exercise.

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