Pain and Exercise Response in Midlife Former Athletes, Masters Athletes, and Nonathletes A Randomized Crossover Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how pain is experienced and influenced by moderate-intensity exercise in midlife adults aged 35 to 65. The study compares three groups former competitive athletes who no longer participate in sports, current masters athletes actively engaged in training, and nonathletes. The goal is to understand pain processing and lifestyle behaviors among these groups, considering sex differences and physical activity history. Participants undergo three testing sessions including baseline assessments of strength, fitness, and pain. They then complete two exercise interventionsmoderate-intensity strength training and aerobic exercisein a randomized order with at least one week washout between sessions. Strength exercise involves isometric knee extensions, while aerobic exercise consists of treadmill walking at 40-59% heart rate reserve. Pain and exertion ratings are collected before, during, and after exercises. Throughout the study, participants wear physical activity monitors and an OURA ring to track movement and sleep over about two weeks. Pain tolerance, pressure pain threshold, and other sensory pain measures are taken at baseline and before and after exercise sessions. Researchers also monitor step counts, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration. The total participation includes baseline and two follow-up sessions approximately one week apart, allowing detailed evaluation of pain responses to different exercise types.

Pain in Aging Former Athletes, Master's Athletes, and Nonathletes