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.

According to a recent study, the hip hinge kettlebell swing produced the greatest amount of hamstring surface electromyography of the three styles of kettlebell swings that were assessed. These findings have implications for the application of kettlebell swing exercises in strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and rehabilitation programs.

In this session from the 2014 NSCA Personal Trainers Conference, Barton Bishop explains how to utilize the body’s natural way of learning movement. This will help athletes become more efficient at movement for improvements in exercise and athletic performance, and help in preventing future injuries.

The movement pattern utilized when flipping a tire is similar to the movements required during firefighting. Learn not only how to flip a tire, but how to assess functional power output among firefighters through the use of tire flipping.

See demonstrations of weightlifting derivatives for improved athletic performance. Mike Conroy from USAW and Doug Berninger from the NSCA explain coaching cues and corrections so that your athletes can benefit from training in a safe and time-effective manner.

In this hands-on session from the 2018 Tactical Annual Training, Joel Raether, owner of Authentic Performance, discusses strategies and exercises he utilizes to improve trunk performance and resiliency, while subsequently demonstrating his progressions and regressions for these exercises.

From the NSCA’s 2020 Coaches Conference, Scott Schultz and Beau Smith show hands-on drills for prehabilitation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to reduce the risk of injury in sport. These drills include posterior chain warm-up exercises, plyometric and balance exercises, and proper landing mechanics to reinforce proper hip and knee positions.

JC Santana, of the Institute of Human Performance, demonstrates some unconventional methods he uses to train combat athletes.

This article demonstrates how strength and conditioning coaches can coach power through non-traditional weightlifting exercises that can be taught quickly, to large groups, with less extensive technique correction.

Learn how to perform a light sled pull, which can help increase speed strength, power, and stride length.