Takeaway
Athletes and controls exhibited similar endogenous pain inhibitory function both locally and systemically following conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and isometric, upper body exercise, whereas a reduced exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) response was observed in athletes following familiar exercise.
Why this matters
Athletes are at risk of developing chronic pain conditions and this study suggests a potential link between CPM and EIH providing a novel insight into the role of exercise in the modulation of pain.