An interventional study of Aerobic exercise using cycle ergometer in Healthy Adult, sponsored by Centro Universitario La Salle. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Spain. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-03-18.
Sponsored by Centro Universitario La Salle · Not applicable, Interventional, and Basic science
Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) refers to the reduction in pain sensitivity following acute exercise. Although aerobic exercise has been shown to induce hypoalgesia in healthy individuals, it remains unclear whether the magnitude of this response differs between men and women.
This quasi-experimental study aims to evaluate sex differences in pressure pain thresholds following a standardized aerobic exercise protocol using a lower-limb cycle ergometer. Pressure pain thresholds will be assessed before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 minutes after exercise in healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years.
The findings of this study may contribute to improving individualized exercise prescription strategies based on sex differences in pain modulation.
Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is characterized by a transient reduction in pain sensitivity following acute physical exercise, measurable through pressure pain thresholds (PPTs). Aerobic exercise has been consistently shown to increase PPTs in healthy individuals through activation of endogenous pain inhibitory mechanisms, including opioid and non-opioid pathways.
However, the influence of biological sex on EIH remains unclear, and understanding potential differences between men and women could have important implications for exercise prescription in clinical and healthy populations.
This quasi-experimental study will include healthy male and female participants aged 18-65 years. Participants will undergo a single session of aerobic exercise on a lower-limb cycle ergometer at 70% heart rate reserve for 30 minutes.
Pressure pain thresholds will be assessed using a validated digital pressure algometer at:
Measurements will be performed at three time points:
The primary analysis will compare changes in pressure pain thresholds between men and women using ANCOVA models adjusting for baseline values.
Centro Universitario La Salle is the lead sponsor of 25 studies on the registry; 7 are open to participants now.
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Participants will perform a 30-minute aerobic exercise protocol on a lower-limb cycle ergometer at 70% heart rate reserve, including warm-up and cool-down periods.
Behavioral: Aerobic exercise using cycle ergometer
Aerobic exercise using lower-limb cycle ergometer. Participants will perform the same aerobic exercise protocol.
Behavioral: Aerobic exercise using cycle ergometer
Participants will perform a 30-minute aerobic exercise protocol using a lower-limb cycle ergometer at 70% heart rate reserve. The protocol includes: * 5-minute warm-up * 20-minute exercise at target intensity * 5-minute cool-down Heart rate will be monitored continuously using a validated heart rate monitor.
Pressure Pain Threshold at Quadriceps
Pressure pain threshold measured using a digital pressure algometer at the quadriceps muscle.
Time frame: Pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise
Pressure Pain Threshold at Lateral Epicondyle
Pressure pain threshold measured at a remote anatomical site using pressure algometry.
Time frame: Pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 30 minutes post-exercise
Plan to share: Yes — Data regarding the principal and secondary outcomes: Pressure Pain Thresholds for the quadriceps and epicondyle sites.
Supporting information: Study protocol, Statistical analysis plan
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Mar 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Centro Universitario La Salle