Orthostatic-induced Hypotension Attenuates Cold Pressor Pain Perception

In recent years, numerous studies have established a connection between blood pressure and nocioception. While this connection is well documented in the literature, its underlying physiological mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Much attention has focused on the relationship between cardiovascular regulatory centers and nocioception, yet the intricacies of this relationship have not been fully explored. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the role of the baroreflex system as a modulator of pain perception. Twenty normotensive males participated in two laboratory sessions. Time to cold pain threshold and pain tolerance was measured at rest during the first visit. On visit two, blood pressure was orthostatically manipulated via tilt table at postures 90o, 120o, and 180o. Orthostatic manipulation significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP), pain threshold, and pain tolerance from seated baseline at 120o and 180o. The regression models for baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) assessed during seated baseline and at 120o and 180o revealed a significant negative beta weight for the effect of SBP. A significant negative beta weight for the effects of BRS, SBP, and their interaction was observed at 90o. In conclusion, orthostatic baroreceptor activation appears to exert an inhibitory effect on the brain that decreases pain sensitivity

Exercise Intensity as a Determinant of Exercise Induced Hypoalgesia

The purpose of this study was to examine pain perception during and following two separate 30-min bouts of exercise above and below the Lactate Threshold (LT). Pain Threshold (PT) and Pain Intensity (PI) were monitored during (15 and 30 min) and after exercise (15 and 30 min into recovery) using a Cold Pressor Test (CPT) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain of the non-dominant hand. Significant differences in PT scores were found both during and after exercise conditions. Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences in PT scores at 30 min of exercise (P=0.024, P=0.02) and 15 min of recovery (P=0.03, P=0.01) for exercise conditions above and below LT, respectively. No differences (P=0.05) in PT scores were found at any time point between exercise conditions. No differences were found in PI scores at any time point within each trial (P=0.05) as well as between exercise conditions (p=0.05). Based upon these data, the effects of moderate exercise on PT appear to be similar at exercise intensities just above and below LT. This may indicate that the requisite intensity needed to ellicit Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia may be lower than previously reported. Because a hypoalgesic effect was not observed in either condition until 30 min of exercise had been completed, total exercise time may be an important factor in the augmentation of pain perception under these conditions

Unmasking Pain: A Look at the Latest Research

Recent research into the physical and psychological mechanisms of pain in revealing new ways to help ease the hurt without the use of medication

Current Exercise Behaviors of Breast Cancer Patients Diagnosed with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, dose-limiting effect of cancer therapy. The neuropathic pain associated with CIPN often has negative implications on an individual’s quality of life (QOL) and has long been recognized as one of the more difficult types of pain to treat. Treatment of neuropathic pain due to CIPN often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with much attention focused on the use of pharmacological therapies. However, in most instances, these agents have been shown to have additional negative side effects for cancer patients. Thus, other interventions that address the symptoms of CIPN should be considered. One such possible intervention is exercise rehabilitation, which has previously been reported effective in attenuating numerous cancer treatment-related toxicities and enhancing the QOL of patients. However, to our knowledge, there have been no published clinical trials examining the role of exercise in preserving neurological function following chemotherapy. As such, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the current exercise habits of breast cancer patients who are diagnosed with CIPN and the impact on pain and QOL. Methods: 300 women listed in the Breast Cancer Registry of Greater Cincinnati database were recruited by mail and asked to complete three questionnaires (McGill QOL, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, and Current Exercise Behaviors). Data was analyzed at the 0.05 level of significance using a student’s t-test and a Pearson’s product moment correlation. Results: 134 completed surveys were returned and analyzed (44.6% response rate). Overall, QOL and exercise behaviors were moderately correlated (r = 0.56). Patients reported exercising an average of 2.3 d/wk and an overall QOL of 4.7. Of the patients completing the recommended amount of physical activity (EX, n = 21), QOL was 6.3, which was significantly higher than patients who did not meet these recommendations (SED, n = 113, p\u3c0.001). Likewise, only 15% of EX patients reported experiencing pain compared to 72% of SED patients (p\u3c0.001). Conclusions: Based on these data, it seems likely that an exercise intervention would be successful in attenuating symptoms of CIPN and improving the overall QOL of breast cancer patients

Community and Regional Development in the North

... The problems of northern development are essentially the same regardless of the region involved, or indeed in many cases regardless of the country involved. Of these problems it is generally agreed that transportation ranks first. Transportation is the single most important key to northern development - in northern Manitoba, northern Canada, or northern U.S.S.R. ... northern communities, no less than communities elsewhere in Canada, find themselves in a rapidly changing world. No longer can they mark the passing years by the arrival of the annual or semi-annual supply boat or mail run. Aircraft, radio telephone, and even taped television programs are symbolic of the degree to which change has come to the North as well, and are increasingly taken for granted by northerners. There is a comparable change in the need for northern communities. Some of these, while useful in fur trade days have become as redundant as the small elevator hamlets along the railways on the Prairies. Like them it may be better for the long-term opportunities of the residents, to encourage a migration to larger centres within the North - though this is conceded to be a delicate and difficult task. There will always have to be communities in the North, but these probably will be fewer and larger centres, better situated to meet the transportation and development needs of the present and future. It is only in larger centres that the costly and permanent service facilities now expected by all Canadians can be justified. Quite possibly smaller "camps" of relatively short life expectancy may operate out from one major centre, with a variety of commuting developed between them, as was the case for example between Yellowknife and Discovery. With the increasing capital outlay involved in establishing a modern community in the North, it clearly will be more and more difficult to abandon or relocate it in later years. To an unprecedented degree northern communities now represent long-term commitments in the area, involving very large capital investment. Only a thorough, balanced assessment of the regional potential can provide the necessary background for such vital decisions. Community and region always have been inseparably linked in northern development, but never more critically than at present