Effect of aerobic exercise on the levels of pain, quality of life, and alexithymia in alexithymic individuals with chronic pain: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on pain, degree of alexithymia, and quality of life in individuals with alexithymia and chronic pain.

METHODS: A total of 40 participants who scored 61 or higher on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) were included in the study. The sample was subdivided into 2 groups using a computerized randomization program: an aerobic exercise group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). Participants in the aerobic exercise group underwent a 30-minute jogging protocol at 60% to 90% of maximum heart rate 3 days per week for 8 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Participants in the control group continued their daily physical activities. Outcome measures were the TAS-20, visual analog scale, Graded Chronic Pain Scale, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the demographics of the 2 groups (P > .05). There was a statistically significant improvement in TAS-20, Graded Chronic Pain Scale, visual analog scale, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores of the participants in the aerobic exercise group compared to the control group (P ˂ .05).

CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise had a positive effect on pain, quality of life, and degree of alexithymia in individuals with alexithymia and chronic pain.