Arbogast, R. W., Koltyn, K. F., Goggin, N. L., & Jackson, A. W. (1997). Influence of gender and a weight training session on pain perception. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1219.

This investigation examined the influence of gender and a weight training session on pain threshold and pain ratings.

Ss (M = 16, F = 15) completed a weight-training session of 3 x 10 reps at 75% of the individual's 1RM. Lifts included the bench press, leg press, pull-downs, and arm extensions.

Males were found to have higher pain thresholds than females. Weight training increased pain threshold and lowered pain ratings in both genders.

Implication. In resistance training, males have been shown to have higher pain thresholds than females. However, in a weight training session irrespective of gender, pain threshold increases and perceptions of pain decrease as the session proceeds. Thus, opinions of work levels and work intensity are altered as resistance training progresses at a training session.

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