A Comparison of Neuropathic Pain Experiences Among Paralympic Versus Recreational Athletes with Spinal Cord Injury

Sports Medicine - Open, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-023-00645-w · Published: October 8, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Orthopedics

Simple Explanation

The study compares neuropathic pain in Paralympic and recreational athletes with spinal cord injuries, examining pain intensity, coping strategies, and well-being. Paralympic athletes reported higher neuropathic pain but also greater positive affect and well-being than recreational athletes. More moderate-intensity exercise was linked to higher neuropathic pain, suggesting frequent high-intensity exercise may exacerbate pain in those with SCI.

Study Duration

January-June, 2021

Participants

47 athletes with SCI (25 Paralympic, 27 recreational)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Paralympic athletes reported significantly greater neuropathic pain intensity than recreational athletes.
2
Paralympic athletes reported experiencing significantly greater levels of positive affect and well-being than recreational athletes.
3
Significant, medium-sized positive correlations were observed between neuropathic pain intensity and total minutes of moderate-intensity exercise.

Research Summary

This study compared neuropathic pain experiences among Paralympic versus recreational athletes with SCI, finding that Paralympic athletes reported greater neuropathic pain intensity but also higher levels of positive affect and well-being. The study found positive correlations between neuropathic pain intensity and total minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, suggesting that frequent moderate- to high-intensity exercise may exacerbate neuropathic pain sensations. The research suggests a need to investigate psychosocial and physiological mechanisms by which exercise influences neuropathic pain to understand how Paralympic athletes continue exercising despite pain.

Practical Implications

Exercise Prescription

Exercise prescriptions for individuals with SCI should be carefully considered to avoid exacerbating neuropathic pain.

Psychosocial Factors

Further research is needed to understand the psychosocial factors that allow Paralympic athletes to maintain positive affect despite experiencing greater neuropathic pain.

Targeted Assessment Tools

Develop and implement targeted assessment tools that are informed by athletes or exercisers with SCI who experience neuropathic pain.

Study Limitations

1
Self-reported exercise participation may yield recall biases.
2
Participants reported average neuropathic pain over the previous 7 days, which may be influenced by peak intensity and end-of-experience.
3
The clinical component of the DN-4 was administered over the telephone, potentially compromising accuracy.

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