Koltyn, K. F., Focht, B. C., Ancker, J. M., & Pasley, J. (1998). The effect of time of day and gender on pain perception and selected psychobiological responses. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 30.

Pain threshold, pain ratings, and selected psychological (POMS, STAI) and physiological measures were recorded (M = 15; F = 14). Finger pressure tolerance served as the pain stimulus.

Men had significantly higher pain thresholds than women. Women had significantly higher pain ratings and heart rates. Time of day influenced temperature, systolic blood pressure, and the POMS measure of vigor. Pain measures were not affected by time of day.

Implication. Perceptions of workloads and their tolerance will differ between men and women.

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