Influence of Reported Physical Activity Level and Psychosocial Features on Orofacial Mechanical Sensitivity: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the influence of self-reported physical activity level on painful mechanical somatosensory profile and psychosocial characteristics.

Methods: A total of 90 participants, male and female, were divided into three groups based on the frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity over the last 3 months. The classification followed a modified criterion of the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Mechanical quantitative sensory tests were performed in the region of the anterior temporalis muscle and on the thenar area of the dominant hand, and psychosocial aspects were assessed using questionnaires measuring state and trait anxiety, pain catastrophizing, lifestyle, and quality of life.

Results: There was no significant main effect of group on any of the somatosensory variables (F < 0.34 and P > .416). As for psychosocial aspects, the low level of physical activity group had the lowest scores on the lifestyle questionnaire (P < .009).

Conclusion: Level of physical activity did not significantly influence mechanical somatosensory thresholds or temporal summation in the orofacial region, and worse quality of life was found in participants reporting a low level of physical activity.