Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Different forms of aerobic exercise lead to Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia (EIH). The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a single session of Sprint Interval Training (SIT) on EIH. A total of 44 recreationally active young adults participated in a single SIT session on a cycle ergometer, consisting of a 2 min warm-up, 3 × 20 s “all-out” cycling bouts interspersed with 2 min of active recovery, and a 3 min cool-down. Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) measurements were taken on the quadriceps (working muscle) and thenar eminence (resting muscle) before and after the session. Additionally, average power generated during the sprints and the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) at the end of the session were recorded. Percentage changes from baseline to post-session were calculated for each participant and averaged. Paired-samples t-tests assessed pre–post differences in both local and distal PPT, with Cohen’s d effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) determining the magnitude of differences. Pearson correlation examined the relationship between average power, RPE, and changes in local and distal PPT. All results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). A single SIT session induced a large hypoalgesic response at both the local site (d = 1.79; 95% CI 1.31–2.27) and the distal site (d = 1.16; 95% CI 0.77–1.54). No significant correlations were found between average power, RPE, and local and distal PPT changes. In this exploratory single-arm study, PPT increased significantly at both local and distal sites following a single 10 min SIT session, consistent with an acute EIH response; however, in the absence of a control condition, these findings should be interpreted with caution.
Keywords
exercise, hypoalgesia, interval training
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
6-1-2026
Article Number
237
E-ISSN
20754663
Volume
14
Issue
6
Publication Title
Sports
Publisher
MDPI
School
Exercise Medicine Research Institute / School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
101731
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Pacenza, F., Brickley, G., Crainich, U., Bettariga, F., Turner, A., & Maestroni, L. (2026). The impact of a single session of Sprint Interval Training (SIT) on Pain Pressure threshold (PPT) in healthy adults. Sports, 14(6), 237. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14060237