Want to stay out of pain? Vacuum the carpet or walk the dog.
A new study shows that older adults who do any sort of light to moderate activity feel less pain and are equipped to block pain more effectively.
The new research by Kelley Naugle and colleagues at Indiana University-Purdue Indianapolis, shows that even light activity (like housework or a stroll) can help prevent chronic pain. Activity may even be therapy for pain and it might prevent pain.
The study followed a group of older adults who had light to moderate activity. Moderate activity was that which might cause them to sweat.
The higher levels of activity, the lower the pain, the study found. But the results also showed that subjects didn't have to be an athlete. Even light activity resulted in the test subjects feeling less pain and blocking pain sensations.
The results suggested it might be possible to match a physical activity to specific pain as a treatment.