Slater H, Thériault E, Ronningen BO, Clark R, Nosaka K
The aim of this study was to investigate mechanical sensitivity responses at the lateral elbow to repeated weekly bouts of low load exercise in healthy subjects. Thirteen young men (n=6) and women participated in 4 weeks of exercise. Arms were randomly allocated to an eccentric-only exercise protocol or to a concentric-eccentric protocol performed at 30% maximal wrist extension force. Arms were exercised consecutively within each supervised weekly session. Results showed that regardless of protocol, repeated low load exercise resulted in a time-dependent increase in PPT at all sites post exercise Weeks 3 and 4 and persisting at follow up Week 5. No significant difference between protocols was evident for any measure. Muscle force and endurance were not significantly augmented compared with baseline.
In conclusion mechanical hypoalgesia is induced by repeated low load exercises regardless of exercise mode, and this may prove beneficial if replicated clinically.
Man Ther. 2009 Aug 11;