Movement Matters; How Physical Activity Impacts Endodontic Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To understand impact of physical activity on pain perception in patients presenting with acute pulpitis for endodontic therapy. Study Design: It was quantitative correlational by design. Place and duration of study: Department of Operative Dentistry, Dental Section, Islam Dental College, Sialkot. Materials & Methods: 500 patients from the Dental Section of Islam Dental College Sialkot were included in this study. The correlation of movement/walk and pain during endodontic treatment was determined. Numeric pain scale was used to document pain. Activity was measured by the number of minutes of walk of the patient. Results: There is a significant association between physical activity/exercise and pain. Statistical significance between pain and exercise was -.158. Conclusion: Pre-operative assessment of physical activity may be a predictor of pain perceived by patients. Therefore, it is important to educate and consider patient’s physical activity to manage pain during the dental treatment. Life style modification may seems insignificant but has proven positive impact in pain management. Keywords: Exercise, local anaesthesia (LA), endodontic therapy, pain.