Physical activity has been shown to have a significant impact on reducing the risk of chronic pain, according to a recent Norwegian study. The study, which analyzed responses from questionnaires in the Tromsø Study and tested the pain threshold of over 7,000 individuals, revealed compelling conclusions.

The findings indicated that the more active the participants were, the lower their likelihood of developing chronic pain. This effect was particularly pronounced for widespread or severe pains. The study also suggested that physical activity strengthens pain tolerance, thereby contributing to the reduction of pain risk.

Anders Årnes, one of the researchers from UiT the Arctic University of Norway, emphasized that even minimal physical activity showed a noticeable decrease in the risk of pain. As activity levels increased, this connection became even more robust, with no apparent plateau in its effectiveness.

However, the study did not specifically examine the risk of pain among the most active participants. The most active group in the study engaged in intense physical activity or competitive sports for at least four hours a week, indicating that the benefits of physical activity extend to this level and potentially beyond.

Årnes also highlighted the possibility of genetic differences influencing the susceptibility to pain among participants, emphasizing the need for further research to explore these potential factors.