Aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction causes local and systemic hypoalgesia and increases circulating opioid and endocannabinoid levels
Luke Hughes, I. S. Grant, Stephen D. Patterson
Abstract
We have shown that performing blood flow restriction (BFR) during low-intensity aerobic exercise can trigger local and systemic hypoalgesia, which is not typically observed with this intensity of exercise. High-pressure BFR triggers greater and comparable hypoalgesia than high-intensity aerobic exercise in the exercising limbs and remote areas of the body, respectively. Performing BFR during low-intensity aerobic exercise activates the opioid and endocannabinoid systems, providing novel insight into potential mechanisms of hypoalgesia with BFR exercise.
Topics & Concepts
HypoalgesiaEndocannabinoid systemBlood flow restrictionMedicineAerobic exerciseBlood flowInternal medicineOpioidEndocrinologyAnesthesiaResistance trainingNociceptionReceptorHyperalgesiaHeart Rate Variability and Autonomic ControlCardiovascular and exercise physiologyCardiac Arrest and Resuscitation