Physical Activity and Pain Perception in Residents Under Conditions of Chronic Hypoxia

Abstract

(1) Background: Previous studies indicate that individuals who engage in regular physical activity have a higher pain threshold than those who do not exercise. However, it remains unclear how this phenomenon behaves in individuals exposed to chronic hypoxia. This study evaluates pain perception at high altitude between high-altitude natives who exercised regularly and those who did not practice physical activity. (2) Methods: Eighty-four healthy volunteers aged 20 to 30 years old with a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range (18.5–24.9) residing in the city of Puno (3825 m) were recruited. The unilateral ischemia pain provocation test was used, applying pressure with a manual sphygmomanometer to generate transient ischemia in the arm while the patient opens and closes their hand. Onset, peak, and resolution times of pain, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were recorded. (3) Results: The average time to pain onset in the right arm was 30.2 s ± 14.1 during light physical activity, whereas, during moderate physical activity, it increased to 32.5 s ± 15.4. In the left arm, the average time until pain sensation was 27.9 s ± 16.8 during light physical activity and increased to 34.6 s ± 18.5 with moderate physical activity. Regarding the progression of pain intensity, the average time to reach unbearable pain in the right arm was 54.1 s ± 16.4 during light physical activity and 53.8 s ± 19.6 during moderate physical activity; in the left arm, it was 53.0 s ± 19.6 during light physical activity, increasing to 59.3 s ± 24.5 during moderate physical activity. (4) Conclusions: A more stable and slightly higher pain tolerance in the dominant arm was observed.