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Exercise-induced hypoalgesia in response to different exercise types and intensities: A narrative review
1
5th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic SPZOZ in Krakow, Poland
2
Centrum Medyczne w Łańcucie Sp. z o.o. / Medical Center in Łańcut, Poland
3
Department of Medical Education, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland
4
Szpital św. Anny w Miechowie / St. Anne’s Hospital in Miechów, Poland
5
Samodzielny Publiczny Zakład Opieki Zdrowotnej MSWiA w Krakowie / Independent Public Healthcare Facility of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Krakow, Poland
6
The University Hospital in Krakow, Poland
7
Warszawski Szpital Południowy Sp. z o.o. / Warsaw Southern Hospital, Poland
Corresponding author
Barbara Boba
5. Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny z Polikliniką SPZOZ w Krakowie, ul. Wrocławska 1–3, 30-901 Kraków
5. Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny z Polikliniką SPZOZ w Krakowie, ul. Wrocławska 1–3, 30-901 Kraków
Ann. Acad. Med. Siles. 2026;80:261-266
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
It has been documented in the literature that physical activity can lead to hypoalgesia. The aim of this review is to provide insight into the effects that different exercise programs have on the pain threshold of pain-free individuals. Two databases, PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched. A total of 13 studies were included in this review. The results indicate that, in most cases, exercise leads to an exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) response of various type and intensity. The EIH effect can occur after stationary cycling, treadmill running, dancing, functional training, submaximal isometric exercises, and dynamic exercise programs. However, in some studies, the expected EIH effect was not achieved. This applies to upper limb aerobic exercise, resistance training, and cycling. The literature on the relationship between exercise intensity and the EIH response is ambiguous, with some studies revealing a positive correlation and others showing different results. Various exercise programs can result in EIH in healthy individuals. However, more research is needed to discover what type and intensity of exercise is most effective in inducing hypoalgesia.
FUNDING
The study did not receive any special funding.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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