Comparison of the effects of aerobic and resistance training on changes in inflammatory pain threshold in male rats

Recent research has shown that there is a relationship between exercise and pain threshold and exercise can change the pain threshold. Also, some researchers claim that there is a relationship between the type and intensity of exercise and pain relief. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and resistance training on inflammatory pain threshold changes in male rats.

In this experimental study, 25 healthy male rats weighing 200-300 g were selected and divided into two experimental groups (aerobic training and resistance training) and a control group. Pre-test and post-test of inflammatory pain threshold was measured by formalin test (pain measurement) and pain test due to stimulation of nerve terminals (tail flick) was performed on the groups. Then, the two experimental groups performed the exercise training program for 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using one- way ANOVA at (P <0.05).

There is a significant difference between the effects of the two training methods (P <0.05). The inflammatory pain threshold was increased in the aerobic group in the Tail-Flick test. But in formalin test, no significant difference was observed between the groups (P <0.05).

Based on the findings of this study, aerobic exercise is effective in increasing the pain threshold. The reducing effects of aerobic exercise on the production of inflammatory factors can be effective and lead to the inflammatory analgesic effect in the animal model. Therefore, further research in this area is recommended.