Propensity for osteoarthritis and lower limb joint pain in retired professional soccer players.
S Drawer, C W Fuller
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11726474Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 35Years - 65Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
ID07502742
Pain in Athletes INtervention (PAIN): A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial in Aging Former Athletes, Master's Athletes, and Nonathletes
Led by Marquette University · Updated on 2026-03-31
90
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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 master's 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 interventions—moderate-intensity strength training and aerobic exercise—in 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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Pain in Aging Former Athletes, Master's Athletes, and Nonathletes
Who Can Participate
Age: 35Years - 65Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 35 through 65 years
- Current master's athlete, former competitive athlete, or nonathlete control
- Ability to participate in exercise and exercise testing based on Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+)
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study
- Taking heart rate lowering medications (e.g., beta blockers) affecting exercise testing
- Contraindications to ice such as Raynaud's, cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaria, or impaired circulation/sensation
- Diagnosis of fibromyalgia or chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Recent myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism within last 12 months
- Active cancer, pacemaker, or any condition preventing safe test performance
- For former athletes: currently participating in recreational or competitive sports over last 5 years
- For nonathletes: prior participation at highly trained/national level or current competitive sports within last 5 years
- For master's athletes: not actively participating in sports at Tier 2 level or above within past year
- Any condition or disease that would preclude safe participation in tests or exercise interventions
- Participants must be enrolled into only one of the three groups according to criteria provided in the study details
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Baseline Assessment
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete baseline testing including quantitative sensory testing and questionnaires, and begin wearing a physical activity monitor and an OURA ring for lifestyle behavior monitoring.
1 baseline visit (in-person)
Exercise Interventions
Duration - Approximately 2 weeks
Participants complete two separate moderate-intensity exercise interventions (strength and aerobic) in randomized order to assess pain response to exercise.
2 intervention visits spaced about 1 week apart (in-person)
Remote Monitoring
Duration - 2 to 3 weeks
Participants wear activity monitors to assess physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for approximately 2 to 3 weeks throughout the study.
Remote monitoring with wearable devices
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Marquette University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53233
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
J
Jacob J Capin, DPT, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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