Perceptual and motor skills
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The ability to recognize the body parts blindfolded is called body schema. Chronic pain disrupts cognitive function and could lead to an altered body schema. Commonly competitive athletes have chronic pain, but still train and compete. ⋯ Neuropsychological performance was assessed with the Grooved Pegboard Test. There was no difference in body schema between groups; neuropsychological performance indicated better scores in the athlete group. This study showed that despite chronic pain, the athlete group presented unaltered body schema and better neuropsychological performance, perhaps explained by self-selection.