Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
https://bjan-sba.org/journal/rba/article/doi/10.1016/j.bjane.2021.09.019
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology
Original Investigation

The influence of sex and level of physical activity on maximum tolerance to mechanical pain

A influência do sexo e do nível de atividade física na tolerância máxima à dor mecânica

Marina Aleixo Cordeiro, Matheus Bieberbach Rodrigues dos Santos, Talita Gianello Gnoato Zotz, Ana Carolina Brandt de Macedo

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Abstract

Background
A difference in maximum tolerance to mechanical pain (MTMP) between the sexes is widely studied but there is still no consensus on whether the level of physical activity (PA) influences pain.

Objectives
To compare the MTMP between men and women with different levels of PA.

Methods
65 individuals were divided in female (n = 35) and male group (n = 30). The main outcome measures were PA level and MTMP by pressure algometry. Pressure was applied three times on both sides at the following points: cervical (5th and 7th) and lumbar (3th and 5th) vertebrae; trapezius, rhomboid, gluteus, gastrocnemius, pectoralis major, tibialis anterior, and deltoid muscles, elbow, hand, knee, and ankle.

Results
It was observed that the PA level has little influence on the MTMP at all the assessed points and that men have greater MTMP than women.

Conclusion
Sex, not the PA level, influences the MTMP.

Keywords

Pain;  Pain measurement;  Exercise

Resumo

Introdução: A diferença na tolerância máxima à dor mecânica (TMDM) entre os sexos é amplamente estudada, mas ainda não há consenso se o nível de atividade física (AF) influencia a dor. Objetivos: Comparar a TMDM entre homens e mulheres com diferentes níveis de AF. Métodos: 65 indivíduos foram divididos em grupo feminino (n = 35) e grupo masculino (n = 30). As principais medidas de desfecho foram nível de PA e TMDM por algometria de pressão. A pressão foi aplicada três vezes em ambos os lados nos seguintes pontos: vértebras cervicais (5ª e 7ª) e lombares (3ª e 5ª); trapézio, romboide, glúteo, gastrocnêmio, peitoral maior, tibial anterior e deltoide, cotovelo, mão, joelho e tornozelo. Resultados: Observou-se que o nível de AF tem pouca influência no TMDM em todos os pontos avaliados e que os homens apresentam maior TMDM do que as mulheres. Conclusão: O sexo, e não o nível de AF, influencia o TMDM.

Palavras-chave

Dor; Medição da dor; Exercício

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