Exercise Improves Pain Tolerance, Study Shows

Regular exercise, even light physical activity, may increase pain tolerance, according to a large observational study of over 10,000 adults. The study found that those who consistently engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity over a 7- to 8-year period reported the highest pain tolerance. The findings suggest that increased physical activity might increase pain tolerance, but more research is needed to determine the cause-and-effect relationship and how exercise might impact tolerance or risk for chronic pain.