Journal of sports sciences
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The potential relationship between physical activity and endogenous pain modulatory capacity remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to compare the pain modulatory responses of athletes and non-athletes. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) was assessed in 15 athletes and 15 non-athletes at rest. ⋯ The conditioning stimulus had a stronger inhibitory effect on the test stimulus in athletes, showing enhanced CPM in athletes compared to non-athletes (P < .05). This finding of enhanced CPM in athletes helps clarify previous mixed findings. Potential implications for exercise performance and injury are discussed.