Project Title
Examining Pain levels in Competition and Performance Female Athletes
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Kelly Massey
Abstract
Athletes have higher pain tolerance and threshold levels compared to non-athletes.The purpose of the study was to examine the levels of pain threshold and tolerance within a group of female competition and female performance athletes. Eleven female athletes (M: 23.1±7.1 yrs) were divided into performance (P) (n = 6) and competition (C) (n = 5) groups. Resting measurements and body composition were measured prior to testing. The cold pressor test (CPT) and electrical stimulation (Estim) was used to incite pain. The pain threshold for both groups occurred at the thirty second (sec) time marker (p>0.05). There were no significant differences between groups for pain threshold, pain tolerance, or VAS scores in the upper limb. In the lower limb, a significant difference in HR was seen at the 100-mV level (C=71±12.3 bpm: P=88± 6.1 bpm; p=0.041). The pain threshold level was significantly different (P=60-mA: C=90-mA; p=0.024), with no differences in VAS scores. Although C athletes had higher pain threshold and tolerance levels for both Estim assessments, the P group had higher HR measurements throughout.
Examining Pain levels in Competition and Performance Female Athletes
Athletes have higher pain tolerance and threshold levels compared to non-athletes.The purpose of the study was to examine the levels of pain threshold and tolerance within a group of female competition and female performance athletes. Eleven female athletes (M: 23.1±7.1 yrs) were divided into performance (P) (n = 6) and competition (C) (n = 5) groups. Resting measurements and body composition were measured prior to testing. The cold pressor test (CPT) and electrical stimulation (Estim) was used to incite pain. The pain threshold for both groups occurred at the thirty second (sec) time marker (p>0.05). There were no significant differences between groups for pain threshold, pain tolerance, or VAS scores in the upper limb. In the lower limb, a significant difference in HR was seen at the 100-mV level (C=71±12.3 bpm: P=88± 6.1 bpm; p=0.041). The pain threshold level was significantly different (P=60-mA: C=90-mA; p=0.024), with no differences in VAS scores. Although C athletes had higher pain threshold and tolerance levels for both Estim assessments, the P group had higher HR measurements throughout.