Abstract
Alpha amylase is an enzyme found in saliva, and is integral in the breakdown of large polysaccharides such as starch and glycogen. In addition, it also increases in response to physical stress, making it a useful indicator for pain threshold. In an attempt to determine the viability of using alpha amylase as a pain threshold indicator, alpha amylase concentrations were taken before and after an introduction to physical stress. 16 subjects (M= 22.13, SD= 5.67) were asked how sensitive they are to pain (high responder/low responder), and to rate the expected pain level (in response to the physical stress) on a scale from 1-10. It was found that the subject's perceived pain levels were positively correlated to the alpha amylase concentration, post-cold pressor test, r(14)=0.651, p<0.01. These findings suggest that alpha amylase serves as a viable measure of pain sensitivity.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Jaime L. Tartar
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-4-2014 1:00 PM
End Date
4-4-2014 5:30 PM
The Effect of Physical Stress on Alpha Amylase Concentration in Saliva
Alvin Sherman Library
Alpha amylase is an enzyme found in saliva, and is integral in the breakdown of large polysaccharides such as starch and glycogen. In addition, it also increases in response to physical stress, making it a useful indicator for pain threshold. In an attempt to determine the viability of using alpha amylase as a pain threshold indicator, alpha amylase concentrations were taken before and after an introduction to physical stress. 16 subjects (M= 22.13, SD= 5.67) were asked how sensitive they are to pain (high responder/low responder), and to rate the expected pain level (in response to the physical stress) on a scale from 1-10. It was found that the subject's perceived pain levels were positively correlated to the alpha amylase concentration, post-cold pressor test, r(14)=0.651, p<0.01. These findings suggest that alpha amylase serves as a viable measure of pain sensitivity.
