University of Adelaide study finds exercise can alleviate pain

A large-scale synthesis by researchers at the University of Adelaide suggests that physical activity can effectively alleviate both acute and chronic pain, in some cases performing as well as common analgesics. The study analyzed 157 systematic reviews, encompassing 2,736 randomized controlled trials and over 220,000 participants.

Key findings indicate that low-intensity exercise provided greater relief than moderate or high-intensity activity. Furthermore, shorter programs—approximately 12 weeks in duration—were more effective than longer ones. Specifically, programs involving less than 120 minutes of activity per week showed superior results, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic pain who find intense exercise difficult.

Researchers noted that exercise triggers the release of substances like endorphins and serotonin, which can alter pain perception and improve mood. While the findings support integrating exercise into routine pain management, experts emphasize that it should be viewed as a complement to, rather than a universal substitute for, medical treatments, as effectiveness depends on the specific type and origin of the pain.