The study of pain perception has been a popular area of study for many researchers. Pain itself lies at the intersection of biology and culture, and the perception of this pain is often thought to be due to the formation of pain beliefs (Williams & Thorn 1989). Perception of pain is complex and multidimensional, varying in quality, strength, duration and location. This perception of pain can be influenced by such variables as genetics, developmental, psychological, social and cultural variables (McGrath, 1994). The purpose of this essay is to outline what role exercise plays in pain perception. Studies into pain perception have used exercise as a method to test levels of perceived pain, and have suggested that regular physical activity can reduce perceived pain (Tesarz, Schuster, Hartmann, Gerhardt, & Eich, 2012). In Scheef et al. (2011) it was reported that athletes have much higher pain thresholds and lower perceived pain that untrained individuals. However, Fuller and Robinson (1993) found no reduction in pain ratings to thermal stimuli after aerobic running by conditioned athletes. Similarly, Takala, Viikari-Juntura and Tynkkynen (1994) found that 10 weeks of gymnastics training in the workplace had no clear effects in perceived pain reduction. This essay will discuss both sides of this debate and at the conclusion of this essay; it will be found that exercise does play a large role in the reduction of pain perception. .
There is mounting empirical evidence to suggest that exercise does play a role in alleviating and reducing the levels of pain perception (Koltyn, 1998, O'Connor & Cook, 1999). Walinga, Sundelina, Ahlgrena and JaÈrvholma (1999) evaluated the effects of three exercise programs on neck and shoulder pain in women with work related trapezius myalgia. They concluded that after these three programs, there was a significant increase in pain thresholds and a reduction of perceived pain.