Rev Bras Fisiol Exerc.
2024;23(3):e235618
REVIEW
Pain and movement: practical assessment methods for health and exercise
professionals
Dor e movimento:
métodos práticos de avaliação para profissionais da saúde e do exercício
Poliana de Jesus Santos,
Lara Fabian Vieira Barbosa, José Carlos Aragão-Santos, Marcos Raphael
Pereira-Monteiro, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto
Universidade Federal de
Sergipe, São Cristovão, SE, Brasil
Received 2024 november 8th; accepted 2024 10th December
Correspondence: Poliana de Jesus Santos, polianadejsantos@gmail.com
How to cite
Poliana de Jesus Santos PJ, Lara
Fabian Vieira Barbosa LFV, José Carlos Aragão-Santos JC, Marcos Raphael
Pereira-Monteiro MR, Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto
ME. Pain and movement: practical assessment methods for health and exercise
professionals. Rev Bras Fisiol Exerc. 2024;23(3);e235618. doi:
10.33233/rbfex.v23i3.5618
Abstract
Pain is an unpleasant experience that affects almost the entire world
population at some point in life. While acute pain serves as a protective
mechanism, chronic pain negatively impacts individuals' physical fitness,
social and psychological aspects, leading to high levels of absenteeism and
reduced productivity, thus becoming a global health issue. There are several
treatment options for chronic pain, with physical exercise being the most
recommended. However, to obtain the benefits of physical exercise in pain
reduction, it is necessary to understand the factors that may be related to or
interfere with the pain phenomenon. Likewise, it is essential to recognize that
each individual responds differently to this phenomenon. In this context, a
detailed pain assessment is required. Proper evaluation will allow movement
professionals, such as physical education instructors, physiotherapists, and
other health professionals, to act more efficiently in managing pain through
physical exercise. Nevertheless, pain assessment can sometimes be complex or
costly, limiting its use in professional practice. Therefore, the present study
seeks to present and discuss practical, low-cost methods for multidimensional
pain assessment and highlight important concepts in pain management. Hence,
this article will serve as a starting point for movement professionals in
managing pain through practical and cost-effective methods.
Keywords: assessment, pain; quality of life; professional
competence; physical exercise
Resumo
A
dor é uma experiência
desagradável que aflige quase toda a população
mundial em algum momento da
vida. Apesar da dor aguda servir como mecanismo de
proteção, a dor crônica
afeta negativamente a aptidão física, os aspectos sociais
e psicológicos dos
indivíduos, resultando em altos níveis de absentismo no
trabalho e diminuição
da produtividade, tornando-se um problema de saúde mundial.
Existem várias
opções de tratamento para a dor crônica e o
exercício físico é a opção mais
recomendada. No entanto, para a obtenção dos
benefícios do exercício físico na
redução da dor é preciso compreender os fatores
que podem estar relacionados
e/ou interferindo no fenômeno da dor. De igual forma, é
essencial entender que
cada indivíduo responde de uma maneira diferente a esse
fenômeno. Nesse
contexto, é preciso realizar uma avaliação
detalhada da dor. Uma avaliação
adequada permitirá aos profissionais do movimento, tais como
profissionais de
educação física, fisioterapeutas e outros
profissionais da saúde, atuarem de
forma mais eficiente no manejo da dor por meio do exercício
físico. Contudo,
por vezes a avaliação da dor pode ser muito complexa ou
de alto custo
dificultando sua utilização na prática
profissional. Portanto, o presente
estudo busca apresentar e discutir métodos práticos e de
baixo custo para a
avaliação da dor de modo multidimensional, bem como
destacar conceitos
importantes no tratamento da dor. Desta forma, esse artigo será
um ponto de
partida para a atuação dos profissionais do movimento no
manejo da dor por meio
de métodos práticos e de baixo custo.
Palavras-chave: avaliação, dor; qualidade de vida;
competência profissional; exercício físico
Resumen
El dolor
es una experiencia desagradable que afecta a casi toda la población mundial en algún momento de la vida. Aunque el dolor agudo actúa como un mecanismo de protección, el dolor crónico impacta negativamente en
la aptitud física y en los aspectos sociales y psicológicos de los individuos, lo cual se traduce en altos niveles de absentismo laboral y disminución de la productividad, convirtiéndose en un problema de salud mundial. Existen varias opciones de tratamiento para el dolor crónico, siendo el ejercicio
físico la opción más
recomendada. Sin embargo, para obtener
los beneficios del ejercicio físico en la reducción
del dolor, es necesario comprender los factores que pueden estar relacionados y/o interferir en el fenómeno del dolor. Asimismo,
es esencial entender que cada individuo
responde de manera diferente a este fenómeno. En este contexto, es necesaria
una evaluación detallada del dolor. Una evaluación adecuada permitirá a los profesionales del movimiento, tales como
licenciados en ciencia de la actividad física y del deporte, fisioterapeutas y otros
profesionales de la salud, actuar de manera más eficiente en el manejo del dolor
mediante el ejercicio
físico. Sin embargo, a veces
la evaluación del dolor puede
ser compleja o de alto costo,
lo que dificulta su aplicación en la
práctica profesional. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio busca presentar y discutir métodos prácticos y de bajo costo para la evaluación del
dolor de forma multidimensional, así
como destacar conceptos importantes en el tratamiento del dolor. De este modo, este
artículo busca serun punto
de partida para la actuación
de los profesionales del movimiento en el manejo del
dolor a través de métodos prácticos
y de bajo costo.
Palabras-clave: evaluación, dolor;
calidad de vida; competencia
profesional; ejercicio
físico
The International Association for the Study of Pain
(IASP) defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience
associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue
damage" [1]. Pain can be temporally classified as either acute or chronic.
Chronic pain is defined as pain persisting for more than three months beyond
the typical healing time for an injury or associated with chronic pathological
processes that result in continuous or recurrent pain. Studies indicate that the
global prevalence of chronic pain is 53% [2], and in Brazil, this prevalence
stands at 45.59%, with the lower back being the most affected area [3].
Chronic pain impacts not only physical fitness but also
social and psychological aspects of an individual's life. Among people
reporting chronic pain, high levels of work absenteeism and decreased
productivity have been observed [4]. Given the high prevalence of chronic pain,
it is reasonable to expect significant economic repercussions. Furthermore,
individuals with chronic pain have been found to be twice as likely to report
suicidal behaviors or to die by suicide [5], underscoring the impact of chronic
pain on mental health. Despite these consequences, pain is often overlooked in
the context of assessing an individual's health status. Nevertheless, certain
interventions can provide a better experience for those suffering from
pain-related distress, facilitating decision-making and leading to improved
outcomes [6].
However, some movement professionals still seem to
underestimate the impact of pain when interacting with clients and patients.
This may be due to factors such as a lack of knowledge about pain assessment
methods [7] and the normalization of pain during physical exercise. This
tendency to normalize pain, along with the lack of professional conduct
adjustments in response to this condition, results in decreased engagement with
these professionals among individuals suffering from chronic pain [8]. Consequently,
this leads to a lack of awareness of the beneficial effects of physical
exercise on pain management among some of these professionals. Interestingly,
the same professionals who sometimes normalize pain are also responsible for
one of the most scientifically supported non-pharmacological interventions for
pain reduction: physical exercise [9,10,11].
For movement professionals to effectively promote health
and reduce pain through exercise, it is essential to conduct a holistic
assessment of the condition of the client or patient, including pain assessment
to guide professional conduct and provide indicators for medium- and long-term
follow-up [12]. Immediately, pain assessment can help to identify movement
patterns that the client or patient may alter or even avoid due to pain.
Additionally, baseline assessment values enable the professional to monitor whether
pain increases or decreases in response to the adopted approach. In cases where
pain worsens, a "fear-avoidance" cycle often occurs, leading to the
cessation of exercise due to past painful experiences, which may foster
limiting beliefs [13].
Despite the challenges discussed, exercise remains the
primary approach for treating chronic pain [14] and is also the main tool used
by movement professionals. Mechanisms such as exercise-induced hypoalgesia
reduce pain intensity and enhance the quality of life for individuals with
chronic pain [15]. However, studies show that participants in various exercise
modalities — such as Pilates, weight training, martial arts, CrossFit, body
jump, and others — who are guided by movement professionals exhibit high rates
of pain incidence, regardless of regular exercise practice [16,17,18,19]. This may
stem from underlying biomechanical or social factors that are inadequately
assessed. Thus, it becomes necessary for these professionals to incorporate
pain assessment in their approach. This ensures that regular physical exercise
promotes pain reduction and encourages individuals to see exercise as an
effective approach to pain management, alongside its numerous health benefits.
Considering the impact of chronic pain, the potential of
physical exercise in its treatment, and the limited use of pain assessment
methods among movement professionals, this study aims to present and discuss
practical, low-cost methods for multidimensional pain assessment tailored to
movement professionals. Additionally, it highlights pain-related concepts and
mechanisms, consolidating existing literature into an accessible,
reader-friendly narrative review.
Pain is a response to noxious stimuli that threaten
tissues or the organism's survival, alerting the body to protect the tissue
from damage. These noxious stimuli typically stem from extreme pressure and/or
temperatures, potentially resulting in tissue damage. Pain pathways form a
complex and dynamic system encompassing sensory, cognitive, and behavioral
aspects [20].
The noxious stimulus is initially detected by peripheral
neurons called nociceptors, which transmit the nociceptive stimulus to the
central nervous system (CNS) [21]. Pain-related nerve fibers are classified
into two types: Ad and C fibers. Ad fibers are larger in diameter and myelinated, resulting
in faster conduction speeds and typically associated with acute or sharp pain.
Conversely, C fibers have slower conduction speeds, smaller diameters, and are
unmyelinated associating them more with prolonged nociceptive stimuli, as in
cases of chronic pain [21,22].
Among the ascending pain pathways, the spinothalamic
pathway stands out for its role in the sensory-discriminative aspects of the
pain experience, including the identification of location, intensity, and type
of pain stimulus. Meanwhile, the spinoreticular pathway, connected to the
amygdala, is associated with more diffuse pain and the affective properties of
pain [23]. These pathways are vertically located along the ventrolateral
portion of the spinal cord and transmit pain, temperature, and deep pressure stimuli
to the thalamus [24]. Once reaching the thalamus, the nociceptive stimulus is
directed to other brain areas, such as the cortex, for processing, which
results in pain perception [25].
After processing a painful stimulus, the brain can
modulate pain through descending mechanisms, producing an analgesic effect
during the pain process. In the gray matter region of the brain, a pain
inhibition system is activated via its connection with the ventromedial nucleus
of the spinal cord, a process mediated by opioids. This structure is involved
in both pain inhibition and facilitation [26]. Literature suggests that an
imbalance between the ascending and descending pain pathways may lead to a pathological
and continuous pain process, initiating chronic pain [27].
Another mechanism related to the pain experience is
temporal summation (TS), which mainly affects C fibers. TS increases the
activity of second-order neuron receptors, resulting in increased pain,
particularly present in cases of chronic pain [28]. TS is thought to be part of
a phenomenon known as central sensitization (CS), leading to hyperalgesia
(increased pain intensity in response to a noxious stimulus) and allodynia
(pain in response to a non-painful stimulus), which exacerbate pain perception
[29].
Pain not only induces changes in neurons communicating
with the thalamus but also in neurons projecting from the amygdala to the
medial prefrontal cortex, related to cognitive and emotional processes [30].
Thus, the pain experience impacts not only the sensory-discriminative dimension
but also the affective-motivational dimension. Within this context, chronic
pain patients often exhibit pain catastrophizing, reduced self-efficacy, and
depression. Pain catastrophizing is defined as an exaggerated negative orientation
towards current or anticipated painful experiences, encompassing feelings of
helplessness related to pain, and is a risk factor for the development of
chronic pain [31].
Furthermore, a factor that can either positively or
negatively influence the pain experience is self-efficacy — the belief that one
can successfully perform a task or achieve a favorable outcome. Self-efficacy
is one of the main determinants of how a person with chronic pain will manage
their pain, potentially affecting their adherence to different forms of
treatment depending on its level [31]. Additionally, it is worth noting that
participant experience plays a crucial role in adherence to regular exercise;
thus, enjoyment is linked to greater participation and the effectiveness of
physical exercise, while unpleasant experiences negatively impact exercise
adherence and participation [32].
Moreover, studies indicate
that 40-50% of individuals with chronic pain also suffer from depression [33],
as chronic pain can be a stress factor that induces depression or exacerbates
the processes involved in the progression of the disease. Individuals who
develop both conditions simultaneously often face a poor prognosis [33].
Pain assessment
Conducting a detailed pain assessment is essential for
guiding professional conduct during pain treatment and for prescribing physical
exercise effectively, aiming to prevent the onset of pain during intervention.
To achieve this, it is crucial to select appropriate tools for assessing pain
based on the specific situation, as well as the specificity and information
each instrument provides [33]. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) can be
employed, which assigns numerical values to the observed phenomenon — in this
case, pain — using simple tools such as an algometer, a sphygmomanometer, and a
stopwatch. Among the tests highlighted in the literature are pressure pain
threshold (PPT), temporal summation (TS), conditioned pain modulation (CPM),
and tactile detection threshold (TDT). Together, these tests form a method for
assessing CS, which is commonly present in chronic pain patients [34].
Additionally, pain can be assessed using scales such as
the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the
Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), which are practical and quick to administer.
Questionnaires like the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Brief Pain
Inventory - Short Form (BPI-SF), and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire
(PSEQ-10) can also be used to gather more detailed insights about the pain
experience.
The PPT assesses the minimum pressure applied to a body
area necessary to elicit a painful or uncomfortable sensation. This test
evaluates the nociceptive threshold of free nerve endings in the sensory
neurons located in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord [35]. Studies indicate
that individuals with chronic pain generally have a lower pain threshold
compared to healthy individuals, which can be considered a factor related to CS
[36] (Figure 1A). The PPT can be evaluated near the affected area or in a distant
region from the pain focus. For assessing PPT in the lumbar region, a digital
pressure algometer with a 1 cm² area is used, bilaterally 5 cm laterally from
the spinous processes of the third (L3) and fifth (L5) lumbar vertebrae [37].
Another measure of quantitative sensory testing is the TS
which assesses the excitability of type C fibers in the dorsal horn of the
spinal cord when painful stimulation is applied [38]. The main characteristic
of TS is the increase in pain perception with repeated painful stimulation
[39]. For this test, a persistent painful stimulus is applied using a pressure
algometer at a constant pressure of 4 kg/cm² on an area of the body, usually
the forearm or thenar region, for 30 seconds. During this period, pain
intensity is assessed at four different time points (1st, 10th, 20th, and 30th
seconds) using a numerical pain scale (0-10). Significant discrepancies in
values are an indicator that pain is summing in this individual rather than
habituating to the stimulus, a feature often present in populations with
chronic pain due to CS [40] (Figure 1B).
CPM is described as the phenomenon where "one pain
inhibits another pain". The CPM assesses the nervous system's ability to
reduce pain sensation when another painful stimulus is applied at a distant
site. When the pain control system functions correctly, the second painful
stimulus, known as the conditioning stimulus, reduces the pain of the first
painful stimulus [41]. It is worth noting that CPM and TS are complementary, as
they assess, respectively, the descending and ascending pain pathways.
To assess CPM, the PPT is first evaluated in a specific
area, possibly the same area where TS was assessed. A second painful stimulus
(conditioning) is applied at another location, which may involve pressure
(e.g., using a sphygmomanometer) or a thermal stimulus (e.g., cold water),
until the stimulus is perceived with an intensity greater than 4 on the NPRS.
During the application of the conditioning stimulus, the PPT is reassessed at
the same site evaluated earlier. Five minutes after the removal of the conditioning
stimulus, the PPT is reassessed [34]. An increase in PPT during the second and
third measurements indicates pain modulation reduction, suggesting that
descending pain pathways are activated and capable of decreasing pain intensity
(Figure 1C). For further guidance on performing these tests, access the video.
Figure 1 - 1A: Assessment of PPT, performed
bilaterally 5 cm from the spinous processes of L3 and L5. 1B: Assessment
of TS of pain in the dominant arm of the volunteer, 7.5 cm above the wrist
line. 1C: Evaluation of CPM, using ischemic compression as the
conditioned stimulus via a sphygmomanometer. The PPT was assessed at the same
location as the temporal summation, 7.5 cm above the wrist line
The TDT is used to identify signs of hyperalgesia and
allodynia, conditions commonly found in individuals with CS [42]. To perform
this test, a set of six monofilaments, all made of nylon and each with a
different diameter and weight, is used. The filaments progressively increase in
pressure applied to the skin. If a filament that does not normally induce pain
elicits a painful response in the individual, it is likely that the person has
allodynia. Furthermore, if one of the filaments used as a mild painful stimulus
induces a pain intensity greater than what is expected, this may be a sign of
hyperalgesia [43].
It is important to note that the performance of
quantitative sensory tests is done using devices such as a pressure algometer,
Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, and a sphygmomanometer. These devices are
widely available for purchase by professionals, and they are generally more
affordable compared to other research equipment. An example of a device that
requires greater financial investment is the computerized pressure algometry.
The choice of equipment depends on the professional’s available budget and desired
investment, as both digital and computerized algometers provide reliable
evaluation results.
In addition to quantitative sensory testing, pain can be
assessed using the NPRS and the VAS, both of which evaluate an individual’s
subjective pain perception [44]. For the NPRS, a ruler divided into eleven
equal parts (ranging from zero to ten) is used, where the patient matches their
pain intensity to a corresponding number, with zero representing no pain and
ten representing the maximum pain [45]. The VAS is similar but does not involve
specific numbers; instead, the patient is asked to mark a point on a 10 cm
line, where 0 represents no pain and 10 represents the worst possible pain. A
ruler is then used to measure the exact point marked by the patient [46]. Both
scales are easy to understand and require minimal resources for use. These
tools allow for an understanding of pain intensity in an individual and can be
used to assess pain tolerance during exercise, as well as monitor progress over
time for those being evaluated [46].
Pain scales and their variations have been validated in
Brazil for use in various populations [46]. For example, the VAS gave rise to
the Faces Pain Scale, which is used to improve understanding for specific
populations, such as children, adolescents, older people, people with hearing
impairments, and aphasic individuals. When used with children, the scale
includes drawings of characters from well-known programs [47]. For older
people, adaptations are also made using concepts that are easier to understand
in cases of cognitive impairment related to aging [48]. Figure 2 shows the
variations of pain scales.
Figure 2 - Pain scales
Another way to assess individuals suffering from pain is
through questionnaires, which can be directly related to pain or psychosocial
problems associated with the chronicity of pain. A well-known questionnaire for
pain assessment is the MPQ, which focuses on the context and characterization
of pain, addressing sensory and affective aspects. This questionnaire has a
broad range of application and can be used for both chronic and acute pain in
various conditions where pain is a symptom [49]. The MPQ is subdivided into
four subscales that assess the sensory, affective/evaluative, and miscellaneous
aspects of pain. Responses are given on a scale from: (0) none, (1) mild, (2)
discomforting, (3) distressing, (4) horrible, and (5) excruciating [50].
Similar to the MPQ, the pain severity subscale of the
BPI-SF directly assesses the interference and intensity of pain and can also be
used in various situations. It consists of four 11-point numeric pain scales:
two assess the worst and least pain experienced in the last 24 hours, and the
other two assess the average and current pain at the time of the evaluation
[51].
Another questionnaire that can be used is the Central
Sensitization Inventory (CSI), which indicates the presence of symptoms
associated with CS through a self-perception scale. In this context, other
factors related to CS, such as catastrophizing and self-efficacy, can also be
assessed through the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the PSEQ-10,
respectively. It is important to note that these latter measures enable a
psychosocial evaluation of this population [52].
Furthermore, when discussing pain, another important
factor that is highly affected in this population is quality of life. Quality
of life can be assessed using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D)
questionnaire, which evaluates the quality of life across five dimensions:
mobility, self-care, usual activities, anxiety/depression, and pain/discomfort.
The last dimension specifically evaluates the impact of pain on quality of
life. EQ-5D results can be classified according to the severity level [53].
Additionally, there are specific questionnaires for evaluating the quality of
life in individuals with chronic pain, such as the Short Form Health Survey 36
(SF-36), which assesses the multidimensional aspects of pain’s impact on this
population [53].
Thus, we believe that the use of these tests, scales, and
questionnaires provides a comprehensive view of the health status of the
individual being assessed, helping to guide the treatment plan and track the
progress of the patient/client beyond commonly known aspects such as strength,
hypertrophy, and range of motion. The evolution of pain and how it affects
other socioemotional domains is an important aspect to monitor, as it
significantly contributes to the well-being and quality of life of individuals.
Table I summarizes the main instruments used for pain assessment by movement
professionals.
Table I - Pain assessment instruments
PPT = pressure pain threshold; TS = temporal summation;
CPM = conditioned pain modulation; TDT = tactile detection threshold; NPRS =
Numerical Pain Rating Scale; VAS = visual analog scale; PCS = pain
catastrophizing scale; MPQ = McGill pain questionnaire; BPI-SF = brief pain
inventory – short form. PSEQ-10 = pain self-efficacy questionnaire
Pain assessment by movement professionals is highly
valuable in clinical and practical contexts, including gyms, studios, and
clinics, as individuals in these settings are often afflicted by pain, whether
chronic or acute. Understanding the importance of pain assessment, the tools
available, and their proper application enables professionals to conduct
thorough evaluations and prevent pain from hindering clients' performance when
pain is not the treatment focus. This can help shift the perspective, viewing exercise
not as something that causes pain, but as something that reduces it.
Conflict of interest
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this
article was reported
Funding
This work was partially supported by the Coordination for
the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, Brazil-CAPES. The funding source
had no involvement in the conduct of the study or in the preparation of the
article for publication
Author contributions
Conception and design of the
research: Da Silva-Grigoletto
ME, Santos PJ; Acquisition of data: Barbosa LFV; Writing
of the manuscript:
Barbosa LFV, Santos PJ, Aragão-Santos JC, Pereira-Monteiro MR; Critical revision of the manuscript
for important intellectual content: Da Silva-Grigoletto
ME
Glossary
Hypoalgesia - Reduction in sensitivity to pain.
Hyperalgesia - Increased sensitivity to pain.
Noxious stimuli - Stimuli that have the
potential to cause tissue damage or
evoke the sensation of pain.
Nociceptors - Sensory receptors located in the skin that are
specialized in detecting noxious stimuli and transmitting pain signals to the
central nervous system.
Myelinated - Refers to nerve fibers that are surrounded by a myelin
sheath, which increases the speed of nerve signal transmission.
Unmyelinated - Nerve fibers that lack a myelin sheath, resulting in
slower transmission of nerve signals.
Temporal summation - A process in which repetitive and continuous stimuli
gradually increase the perception of pain, even if the stimulus itself does not
intensify.
Central sensitization - Increased responsiveness of neurons in the central
nervous system following repetitive or intense stimulation, leading to an
exaggerated perception of pain.
Allodynia - Pain caused by stimuli that do not normally provoke
pain, such as light touch on the skin.
Sensory-discriminative dimension - The aspect of pain experience that allows for
identification of the location, intensity, and type of the painful stimulus.
Affective-motivational dimension - The aspect of pain experience related to the emotional
and motivational responses it triggers, such as distress or the desire to avoid
pain.