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Baroreceptor stimulation yields antinociceptive
effects. In this study, baroreceptors were
stimulated by a respiratory maneuver, with the
effect of this manipulation on pain perception
subsequently measured.
Thirty-eight healthy participants were instructed to
inhale slowly (control condition) and to hold the
air in lungs after a deep inhalation (experimental
condition).
It was expected that breath-holding would increases
blood pressure (BP) and thus stimulate the
baroreceptors, which in turn would reduce pain
perception.
Pain was induced by pressure algometry on the nail
of the left-index finger, at three different
pressure intensities, and quantified by visual
analogue scales. Heart rate (HR) and BP were
continuously recorded.
Pain perception was lower when pain pressure was
administered during the breath-holding phase versus
the slow inhalation phase, regardless of the
pressure intensity.
During breath-holding, a rapid increase in BP and
decrease in HR were observed, demonstrating
activation of the baroreceptor reflex.
Pain perception is reduced when painful stimulation
is applied during breath-holding immediately
following a deep inhalation. These results suggest
that a simple and easy-to-perform respiratory
maneuver could be used to reduce acute pain
perception.
For more information
Pain Medicine
Breath-Holding During Exhalation as a Simple
Manipulation to Reduce Pain Perception
DOI: 10.1111/pme.12764
UNIVERSIDAD DE JAÉN
MDN |