Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-2010
Department 1
Health Sciences
Abstract
In recent years, numerous studies have established a connection between blood pressure and nocioception. While this connection is well documented in the literature, its underlying physiological mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Much attention has focused on the relationship between cardiovascular regulatory centers and nocioception, yet the intricacies of this relationship have not been fully explored. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the role of the baroreflex system as a modulator of pain perception. Twenty normotensive males participated in two laboratory sessions. Time to cold pain threshold and pain tolerance was measured at rest during the first visit. On visit two, blood pressure was orthostatically manipulated via tilt table at postures 90o, 120o, and 180o. Orthostatic manipulation significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP), pain threshold, and pain tolerance from seated baseline at 120o and 180o. The regression models for baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) assessed during seated baseline and at 120o and 180o revealed a significant negative beta weight for the effect of SBP. A significant negative beta weight for the effects of BRS, SBP, and their interaction was observed at 90o. In conclusion, orthostatic baroreceptor activation appears to exert an inhibitory effect on the brain that decreases pain sensitivity.
Copyright Note
This is the publisher's version of the work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.
Recommended Citation
Wonders, Karen, and Daniel Drury. Orthostatic-Induced Hypotension Attenuates Cold Pressor Pain Perception. Journal of Exercise Physiology (February 2010) 13(1):21-32.