The Immediate and Long Term Benefits of Physical Conditioning in Chronic Pain Patients
From: American Academy of Pain Medicine 24th Annual Meeting: Abstract 105.
Introduction: A frequent co-morbid condition of chronic pain is profound physical deconditioning that results from inactivity. Objective assessment of physical conditioning in patients with chronic pain has been impeded by several factors that this study attempted to overcome. Of primary importance is verifying the efficacy of a physical reconditioning program. Further, decreases in pain, depression, and anxiety following treatment in a pain rehabilitation program have been well documented; however, no study has determined the immediate effects of brief exercise on these factors. The purposes of this study are a) to determine the effect of a 3 week aerobic training program on physical conditioning, and b) to assess the acute effects of a brief (10 minute) exercise protocol on pain, mood, and perceived exertion.
Conclusion: This research suggests that relatively modest exercise leads to improved mood and physical capacity, which has further implications for mortality risk. Further, it suggests that brief exercise is a safe, cost-free, nonpharmacologic strategy for immediately reducing depression and anxiety.
