Alterations in endogenous pain modulation in endurance athletes: an experimental study using quantitative sensory testing and the cold-pressor task.

摘要: Abstract There is evidence for long-term alterations in pain tolerance among athletes compared with normally active controls. However, scientific data on thresholds this population are inconsistent, and the underlying mechanisms differences remain unclear. Therefore, we assessed similarities perception conditioned modulation (CPM) at rest endurance The standardised quantitative sensory testing protocol (QST) of ‘German-Research-Network-on-Neuropathic-Pain’ was used to obtain comprehensive profiles somatosensory functions. consisted thermal mechanical detection as well thresholds, vibration sensitivity sharp blunt stimuli. CPM (the diffuse-noxious-inhibitory-control-like effect) measured using 2 tonic heat test stimuli (at temperature exceeding a subjective rating 50/100) separated by 2-min cold-pressor task (CPM-TASK; conditioning stimulus). Pain ratings were numerical scale. Endurance capacity validated assessment maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). Participants included 25 pain-free male (VO2max > 60 mL/min ∗ kg) 26 controls (VO2max  Athletes significantly less sensitive but showed higher (P  Our show that processing differs comparison controls, suggest endogenous inhibitory system may be responsive. This finding explain paradoxical propensity develop chronic widespread pain.