Pain and moderate exercise in midlife former athletes, masters athletes, and nonathletes

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized crossover study enrolls adults 35–65 in three groups—former competitive athletes, current master's athletes, and nonathletes—and has each participant complete three in-person sessions: baseline testing, a moderate-intensity strength session, and a moderate-intensity aerobic session. Pain and pain processing will be measured using quantitative sensory testing plus strength and cardiorespiratory fitness assessments before and after each exercise session, with roughly a one-week washout between sessions. Participants are randomized to the order of the two exercise sessions so each person serves as their own control, allowing comparison of how strength versus aerobic exercise influences acute pain responses across the three groups. Key exclusions include pregnancy, recent major cardiovascular events, pacemakers, fibromyalgia or CRPS, cold-related contraindications, and medications that alter heart rate.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria (General):

* Age: 35 years through 65 years
* Current master's athlete, former competitive athletes, or non-athlete control (see details below)
* Ability to participate in exercise and exercise testing based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+)

Exclusion Criteria (General):

* Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study
* Currently taking heart rate lowering medications (e.g., betablockers) that would impact exercise testing
* Contraindications to ice such as Raynaud's, cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaria, and/or impaired circulation or sensation
* Fibromyalgia and/or chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
* Myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism in the last 12 months, active cancer, a pacemaker, or any additional condition or disease that would preclude the individual from being able to perform the tests safely

Participants will be enrolled into one of the following three mutually exclusive groups according to the following criteria:

1. Former Competitive Athlete: Prior participation in competitive sports at the Tier 3 level or above as per McKay et al. (2022): i.e., "national-level representatives who are performing structured and/or periodized training and are developing proficiency in skills required to perform their sport at the highest level; this tier includes individuals participating in Provincial/State or Academy Programs" or higher participation in sport; Not currently participating in any recreational or competitive sports over the last 5 years (Tier 2 or above)
2. Master's Athlete: Currently (within the past year) participating in sports at the Tier 2 level or above (i.e., committed to sports-specific training at least 3 times per week with the intent to compete)(McKay et al., 2022)
3. Nonathlete Control: No prior participation in sport at the Tier 3 (Highly Trained/National) Level or above and not currently participating in any competitive sports (i.e., Tier 2 or above) (McKay et al., 2022) for at least 5 years

Where it's running

• Marquette University
  Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jacob J Capin, DPT, PhD — Marquette University
• Study coordinator: Jacob J Capin, DPT, PhD
• Email: jacob.capin@marquette.edu
• Phone: 414-288-7865

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.