Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric has the potential to reduce pain intensity and increase range of motion during exercise-induced muscle damage

Abstract

This study aims to analyze and prove the effect of curcumin on pain intensity and ROM during EIMD. This experimental study used a pre and post-control group design. Research subjects were selected using a purposive sampling technique and then the subjects were divided into 2 groups, namely the group given a placebo and the group was given curcumin at a dose of 400 mg. A total of 24 healthy men aged between 20-30 years participated in this study. On the first day, all subjects took data on the characteristics of research subjects, then warmed up. Then the subjects did the high-intensity physical exercise in the form of squad and leg press exercises with an intensity of 80-90% of maximum ability. The exercise was carried out in 4 sets for each form of exercise and rest between sets for about 1 minute. On the second day, after 24 hours the subject took pre-test data to measure pain intensity and ROM, then the intervention was given based on each group. On the third day, after 24 hours the subject took post-test data to measure pain intensity and ROM. Measurement of pain intensity using the Visual Analytical Scale (VAS) and measurement of ROM performed in the knee joint using a goniometer. After the data was obtained, the data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 26 application. The results of this study reported that the group given curcumin during EIMD was able to significantly reduce pain intensity (*p<0.05) compared to the group given a placebo. Furthermore, the group given curcumin during EIMD was able to increase ROM significantly (*p<0.05) compared to the placebo group. We believe that the main cause of muscle soreness is the uncontrolled increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a and IL-6 during EIMD and then decreased ROM for several days after exercise. Since pain intensity and ROM are needed to support body functions, we highly recommend the use of curcumin, which has many positive benefits for sports enthusiasts to support physical performance. Keywords: Curcumin, Pain Intensity, Range of Motion, Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage, Inflammation