Lumbosacral Muscle Sensitivity & Pressure Pain Threshold After Kettlebell Swings

While there are many studies that combine resistance exercise with TMG, there are no studies that combine TMG or pressure algometry with an isometric hold of a kettlebell. This will be the first study that will observe the relationship between these specific variable

It has also been noted that kettlebell swings have an acute effect on muscle sensitivity. A study conducted by Hanney et al. (2017) demonstrated that there was an increase in the mean lumbosacral muscle pain pressure threshold across three locations measured.

Research by Hanney et al. is also the only article that has combined kettlebell swings and pressure algometry. As mentioned earlier, these researchers measured the effects of kettlebell swings on pressure pain threshold in the quadratus lumborum, paravertebral muscles, and the piriformis after an acute bout of 2 handed kettle-bell swings. Compared to a control group, the kettlebell swing group had significantly higher pressure pain thresholds for all three of the testing sites.

Researchers believe this may be due to an increased hyperemia-state post exercise, where the increased blood flow and vasodilation flushes out muscle metabolites. Clearing of these metabolites which normally activate chemo-nociceptive free nerve endings, are theorized to decrease pain sensitivity. This post-exercise hyperemia, leading to decreased pressure pain thresholds, may be directly related to the changes in contractility of the muscle after resistive exercise.

Inclusion criteria

• Participant is a male or female between the ages of 18 and 35 years old
• Participant is asymptomatic for low back pain

Exclusion criteria

• Participant is unable to participate in physical activity, as determined by the PAR-Q+
• Have any injuries or other chronic pain that would prevent them from performing a high intensity kettlebell swing protocol