Study on the mechanism for inactivity induced muscular pain and effects of physical therapy

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26350638
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Rehabilitation science/Welfare engineering
• Research Institution: Nagoya Gakuin University
• Principal Investigator: Koeda Tomoko 名古屋学院大学, リハビリテーション学部, 教授 (20223050)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 不活動 / 機械痛覚閾値 / 神経成長因子 / ホットパック / トレッドミル走 / マッサージ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Inactivity such as bed rest and casting is reported to induce musculoskeletal pain. We made a physically inactive model in rats by putting both hind limbs in cast in full plantar flexed position for 4 weeks, and measured change in cutaneous and muscular nociceptive sensitivity. Furthermore, we examined whether nerve growth factor contributes to the change in mechanical withdrawal threshold and whether a hot pack, treadmill running or massage can reverse the change. After 4 weeks cast immobilization, the muscular mechanical withdrawal threshold significantly decreased (mechanical hyperalgesia), and cutaneous pain sensitivity increased. NGF content of the gastrocnemius muscle significantly increased in the physically inactive model. Both mechanical hyperalgesia and upregulation of muscle NGF were reversed by application of a hot pack. Massage also showed a similar trend.

Free Research Field

理学療法学