Stay at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld under our 2026 NSCA Tactical Annual Training group rate. Enjoy on-site amenities, special offers, + shuttle service.

If you are a current NSCA member and a strength coach at the high school or collegiate level, you may nominate one male and/or one female athlete, per sport for this prestigious award.

Each NSCA SIG has an executive council composed of a chair and at least two members. Applications are accepted from October 1 to December or January 15 annually. Check back during the application window for information on open positions.

First, thanks to thousands of you who have taken the time to respond to periodic questions we’ve sent your way. Our goal in this process has been to use your feedback to make the NSCA a better organization. We have followed up on that feedback with phone calls to many of you in order to better understand your needs and challenges. We want to continue this process and provide routine updates on some of the changes we have made to better serve your needs.

Exercise is increasingly recognized as an effective, nonpharmacological approach for managing both acute and chronic pain. However, accurate pain assessment methods tailored to different exercise settings and populations are essential. This review evaluates existing pain assessment techniques, highlighting self-report measures such as the Visual Analog Scale and Numerical Rating Scale, as well as quantitative measures, such as Pressure Pain Threshold and Conditioned Pain Modulation. These techniques provide valuable insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms behind pain reduction. Although exercise commonly produces a temporary reduction in pain sensitivity known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), the effectiveness of this response depends on various factors, such as exercise intensity, psychological state, and pre-existing pain conditions. In addition, exercise itself can sometimes lead to short-term discomfort due to muscle fatigue or delayed-onset muscle soreness. This review offers strength and conditioning providers, as well as researchers, a clear framework for (a) selecting appropriate pain assessment tools, (b) designing research protocols, and (c) customizing exercise interventions for specific populations and pain conditions. By examining self-report and quantitative assessment techniques, along with considerations for data analysis and practical application, this review helps strength and conditioning professionals interpret the literature surrounding EIH and apply practical pain monitoring strategies to guide training and recovery in various populations.

Colorado Springs, CO - The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recently released a position statement in reference to the growing interest in long-term athletic development for youth.

The following erratum, a correction to a published article, appears in the October 2015 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

The NSCA Impact Award is given to an individual who is mid-career or later that has made significant contributions that have impacted a segment of the overall field of strength and conditioning.