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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05985382

Comparing the Effects of Upper and Lower Body Resistance Training on Pain Sensitivity

Resistance exercise may immediately lessen the perception of pain. The purpose of this study is compare the effects of an upper body exercise to a lower body exercise on the perception of pain (pressure pain threshold).

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida, 32765, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • pain free

Exclusion criteria

  • non-English speaking
  • regular use of prescription pain medications
  • current or history of chronic pain condition
  • currently taking blood-thinning medication
  • any blood clotting disorder
  • medical conditions known to affect sensation, such as: uncontrolled diabetes or neurological conditions
  • any contraindication to the application of ice, including: uncontrolled hypertension, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, circulatory compromise
  • not physically ready to exercise without a medical exam as indicated by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Plus (PAR-Q+)
  • surgery, injury, or fracture within the past 6 months
  • unable to perform exercise portions of the study
  • unable to attend three sessions
  • pregnant

Treatment and study plan

Lower Body Resistance Exercise

Other

Participants will complete a leg extension exercise with weight equivalent to 75% of their estimated 1-repetition maximum 3 sets, 10 repetitions.

Upper Body Resistance Exercise

Other

Participants will complete a leg extension exercise with weight equivalent to 75% of their estimated 1-repetition maximum 3 sets, 10 repetitions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Lower Body Resistance Exercise

    Time frame: Pressure pain threshold will be applied to the quadriceps immediately after each exercise.

    For pressure pain threshold, an algometer was gradually increased until the sensation changed from pressure to pain. Pressure at threshold was recorded in kilopascals.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Heat Pain Threshold

    Time frame: Heat Pain Threshold will be applied over the quadriceps before and after the exercise.

    All participants completed Heat Pain Threshold. For heat pain threshold, a thermode will gradually warm up from 32 degrees Celsius until the participant reports the sensation changes from comfortable warmth to slightly unpleasant pain. The temperature at threshold will be recorded.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Central Florida

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Aug 14, 2023
Registry last updated
Mar 4, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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