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Endurance performance is influenced by perceptions of pain and temperature: Theory, applications and safety considerations.

Stevens, Christopher, Mauger, Alexis R., Hassmen, Peter, Taylor, Lee (2017) Endurance performance is influenced by perceptions of pain and temperature: Theory, applications and safety considerations. Sports Medicine, 48 (3). pp. 525-537. ISSN 0112-1642. E-ISSN 1179-2035. (doi:10.1007/s40279-017-0852-6) (KAR id:65555)

Abstract

Models of endurance performance now recognise input from the brain, including an athlete’s ability to cope with various non-pleasurable perceptions during exercise, such as pain and temperature. Exercise training can reduce perceptions of both pain and temperature over time, partly explaining why athletes generally have a higher pain tolerance, despite a similar pain threshold, compared with active controls. Several strategies with varying efficacy may ameliorate the perceptions of pain (e.g. acetaminophen, transcranial direct current stimulation and transcutaneous electrical stimulation) and temperature (e.g. menthol beverages, topical menthol products and other cooling strategies, especially those targeting the head) during exercise to improve athletic performance. This review describes both the theory and practical applications of these interventions in the endurance sport setting, as well as the potentially harmful health consequences of their use.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s40279-017-0852-6
Subjects: Q Science > QP Physiology (Living systems)
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Sport and Exercise Sciences
Depositing User: Lex Mauger
Date Deposited: 19 Dec 2017 10:23 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 16:52 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/65555 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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