This randomized controlled trial with healthy subjects aims to compare exercise-induced hypoalgesia among three groups: one utilizing a lower limb cycle ergometer, another using an upper limb cycle ergometer, and a control group. The exercise protocol involves 30 minutes of aerobic activity at 70-80% of the heart rate reserve. Exercise-induced hypoalgesia will be assessed by measuring pressure pain thresholds in the thigh and elbow. Additionally, a secondary objective is to compare the lower limb and upper limb cycle ergometer groups in terms of their effects on pressure pain thresholds in the thigh and elbow. Thus, the study anticipates observing differences in local and distal hypoalgesia based on the trained region.
Asymptomatic subjects aged between 18 and 64 years.
Cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neurological, or osteomuscular signs or pathologies.
History of epilepsy.
Pregnant
Pharmacological treatment.
Parallel
Aerobic exercise
Other interventionAerobic exercise with lower limb cycle ergometer
Aerobic exercise
Other interventionAerobic exercise with upper limb cycle ergometer
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) on dominant quadriceps and dominant lateral epicondyle
PPT is tested on the muscle belly of the quadriceps on the dominant side, 10 centimeters cranial to the superior pole of the patella, and on the muscle belly of the epicondyle muscles on the dominant side, 5 centimeters caudal to the epicondyle. The region to be pressed is marked with a pen. The patient is instructed to report the first appearance of the sensation of "discomfort". An ascending ramp of 0.5 kg/cm/s is applied, at the rhythm of a metronome. The measurement is started on the quadriceps and alternated with the epicondyle until 3 measurements of each region are obtained. Each measurement in the same region is obtained after 30 seconds of rest. This protocol has demonstrated high inter-observer reliability measuring healthy subjects (ICC = 0.91).
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
7-item questionnaire on the level of physical activity at different intensities (high, moderate, and low) and hours sitting. A higher score means higher weekly physical activity.
Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS)
10-item questionnaire that allows for the evaluation of the participant's current level of fatigue. A higher score means higher fatigue.
Heart rate
Heart rate will be measured during the procedure by a Polar H10 sensor and a Polar Ignate WR 30M watch.
Rate of perceived exertion (RPE)
RPE Borg CR-10 is used to measure how hard your body works during physical activity. It runs from 0 - 10, using numbers to rate how much effort an activity takes.
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