Cycle Ergometry and Physical Working Capacity at Pain Threshold

Overall, research lacks the reliability of the physical working capacity at pain threshold using a stationary bicycle. The purpose of this proposed study is to correlate someone’s pain perception to exercising on a stationary bicycle. We expect that you will be in this research study for seven sessions, each separated by a total of 24-48 hours.

If able to participate as indicated by the PAR-Q+, the first visit will consist of completing surveys and questionnaires and familiarization with the sensory testing procedures. The sensory tests include heat pain, cold, and pressure pain on your skin. You will also complete an exercise test on a stationary bike to determine your maximum oxygen intake and maximum power while exercising on the bike. Sensory testing will be done again after the exercise test. The following visits (2-6) will consist of sensory testing (pressure pain threshold and heat pain threshold) before and after a cycling session at either 50, 70, 80, 100, or 105 percent of the maximum speed achieved during the graded exercise test from visit 1. The last visit will consist of all the sensory testing that was completed in visit 1.