European journal of applied physiology
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Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. · Jul 2016
Only women report increase in pain threshold following fatiguing contractions of the upper extremity.
The perception of pain in response to a noxious stimulus can be markedly reduced following an acute bout of exercise [exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH)]. Sex differences in EIH frequently occur after exercise but may be confounded by the sex differences in muscle fatigue. The purpose was to determine if sex differences in pain relief occur after an exercise protocol when muscle fatigue is similar for both young and older men and women. ⋯ Under controlled conditions where muscle fatigue is similar, sex differences in EIH occur in young and older adults that is site specific (upper extremity). Only women experience EIH following acute single limb high-velocity contractions.