Pain and moderate exercise in midlife former athletes, masters athletes, and nonathletes
Pain in Athletes INtervention (PAIN): A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial in Aging Former Athletes, Master's Athletes, and Nonathletes
This trial tests if moderate-intensity strength versus aerobic exercise changes pain before and after workouts in adults aged 35–65 who are former competitive athletes, current master's athletes, or nonathletes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 35 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Marquette University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07502742 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults aged 35–65 who can exercise safely and identify as current master's athletes, former competitive athletes, or nonathletes.
Not a fit: People with fibromyalgia or CRPS, recent myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism, pacemakers, cold-related contraindications, those taking heart-rate-lowering drugs, or anyone unable to exercise safely are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could help tailor moderate exercise recommendations that reduce pain and support increased physical activity for midlife and aging adults with different athletic histories.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows exercise can produce post-exercise pain relief (exercise-induced hypoalgesia), but directly comparing moderate strength versus aerobic exercise across former, master's, and nonathlete groups is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.