International Olympic Committee consensus statement on pain management in elite athletes

Abstract

Pain is a common problem among elite athletes and is frequently associated with sport injury. Both pain and injury interfere with the performance of elite athletes. There are currently no evidence-based or consensusbased guidelines for the management of pain in elite athletes. Typically, pain management consists of the provision of analgesics, rest and physical therapy. More appropriately, a treatment strategy should address all contributors to pain including underlying pathophysiology, biomechanical abnormalities and psychosocial issues, and should employ therapies providing optimal benefit and minimal harm. To advance the development of a more standardised, evidenceinformed approach to pain management in elite athletes, an IOC Consensus Group critically evaluated the current state of the science and practice of pain management in sport and prepared recommendations for a more unified approach to this important topic.

Effects of training and competition on the sleep of elite athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Several factors may explain delayed bedtimes and lower SE the night of competition. For example, increased circulating cortisol,74 sympathetic hyperactivity,83 elevated core body temperature84 and muscle pain85 may persist postcompetition and increase arousal 86 87. Cortisol levels following a race have been negatively (r=−0.90) correlated with SE in swimmers,32 while elevated cortisol postcompetition was associated with a reduction in TST the night of competition in netballers 74.…”

Prevalence of Sports‐Related Injuries and Illnesses in Paralympic Athletes

“…This is a concern as regular intake of analgesics may negatively affect the health . Previous studies have suggested that pain management in elite athletes should instead include strategies that address underlying biomechanical issues, pathophysiology, and psychosocial issues . For Paralympic athletes who already have existing impairments that may cause pain, it is particularly important to address these issues .…”

Pain in elite athletes—neurophysiological, biomechanical and psychosocial considerations: a narrative review

“…For optimal care, it is important to understand, to the extent possible, the aetiology of and influences on pain and to intervene using strategies with the optimal expected benefit and least expected harm. This narrative review underpins a broader consensus statement23 by providing an overview of the neurophysiological, biomechanical and psychosocial contributors to pain in sport.…”