Examining Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Pain Sensation

Chronic low back pain is a common condition in the world. About 85% of people with low back
pain do not know the cause of their pain. This leads to ineffective treatments.

Recently, the idea of an over activated nervous system is thought to be one of the main
reasons for chronic pain. Over activated nervous system means pain processing areas in the
spine or brain might be more sensitive. Aerobic exercise, such as walking and cycling, is
often used to decrease chronic pain. Aerobic exercise is a form of physical exercise that
strengthen the heart and lungs in order to improve the body's utilization of oxygen.

The researchers want to examine if aerobic exercise is effective in decreasing over
activation of the nervous system. Gaining a better understanding of effects of aerobic
exercise on the nervous system may lead to more effective treatments for low back pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Lower back pain (LBP) for more than 3 months

- A minimal pain level of 3 on the 0-10 pain numerical rating scale (NRS) in the last 7
days

- Can read and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Nerve root compression that resulted in numbness or decrease in sensation in the areas
for the pain sensitivity tests as reported by the subject

- cervical or thoracic pain as a main complaint

- spinal pathologies such as fracture, tumor, infection, and severe inflammation

- severe spinal deformity

- severe cardiovascular and neurological diseases

- cancer

- history of spinal surgery

- currently seeking active treatments for LBP other than medications

- resting blood pressure more than 160/90 mmHg 49

- currently taking blood thinning medications

- uncontrolled diabetes

- cannot have blood pressure taken

- participated in a similar trial in the past