The two-hour pain rule indicates that what is an indication to decrease exercise intensity?

The two-hour pain rule is a guideline used to assess the impact of exercise on individuals with arthritis and similar conditions. It specifically addresses joint pain as a key indicator for adjusting exercise intensity. When participants experience joint pain within two hours after exercising, it is often a signal that the intensity or duration of their exercise may be too high for their current condition. Lowering the exercise intensity helps to prevent further aggravation of joint issues and supports a more sustainable approach to fitness.

Joint pain as an indicator is significant because it directly relates to how the joints cope with movement and stress, which is critical for those with arthritis. Managing this pain allows individuals to maintain a safe and effective exercise routine that promotes mobility and flexibility without causing exacerbation of their condition.

Other factors like muscle pain, fatigue, or general discomfort may also warrant attention during exercise, but the specific linkage of joint pain to the need for intensity adjustment is a fundamental element of the two-hour pain rule in aquatic therapy aimed at those with arthritis.