Effect of Voluntary Exercise on Endogenous Pain Control Systems and Post-traumatic Headache in Mice

J Pain, 2023 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.05.015 · Published: October 1, 2023

Neurology Pain Management Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause a variety of problems, including chronic pain and headaches. This study explores whether voluntary exercise can help manage pain after a mild TBI. The study used a mouse model of mild TBI and examined how exercise affected pain sensitivity, the body's natural pain control systems, memory, and markers of brain injury. The findings suggest that exercise can reduce pain and improve memory after a TBI, potentially by enhancing the body's own pain control mechanisms and reducing changes in pain signaling.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

Male C57Bl/6J mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Exercise reduced hindpaw and periorbital allodynia (pain from non-painful stimuli) after TBI, indicating a decrease in pain sensitivity.
2
Continuous exercise reduced deficits in diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC), a measure of the body's pain control system, after TBI.
3
Exercise reduced TBI-induced memory deficits, suggesting a benefit for cognitive function.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effect of voluntary running exercise on nociceptive sensitization and endogenous pain control systems in a rodent model of mild closed-head TBI. The main observations were 1) Exercise reduced hindpaw and periorbital allodynia after TBI; 2) Continuous exercise reduced DNIC deficits after TBI as well as BLS-induced persistent PTH-related pain; 3) Exercise significantly reduced mTBI-induced memory deficits; and 4) Exercise significantly reduced TBI-induced increases in spinal pain-associated mediators. Taken together, our observations suggest that voluntary exercise may significantly reduce the adverse effects of TBI on pain and cognition.

Practical Implications

Pain Management after TBI

Voluntary exercise can augment the endogenous pain control system and reduce nociceptive sensitization in a rodent model of TBI.

Cognitive Benefits

Exercise can also improve memory deficits after TBI

Potential Treatment Strategy

Since exercise is low cost and relatively easily implementable, translation of these findings to the treatment of TBI patients may be possible.

Effect of Voluntary Exercise on Endogenous Pain Control Systems and Post-traumatic Headache in Mice

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Pain Management after TBI

Cognitive Benefits

Potential Treatment Strategy

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Effect of Voluntary Exercise on Endogenous Pain Control Systems and Post-traumatic Headache in Mice

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Pain Management after TBI

Cognitive Benefits

Potential Treatment Strategy

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?