Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the effects of laser acupuncture on improvement of recovery and muscle performance in delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) when applied before exercise. Methods This randomized, blinded, and controlled study included healthy participants (n = 40) who were randomized into laser acupuncture and placebo groups. Laser acupuncture was applied to the Tianquan (PC2) and Chihtseh acupoints (LU5) at a dose of 36 J and energy density of 9.7 J/cm2 before inducing DOMS. The placebo group received sham laser acupuncture with no laser output. Visual analog scale (VAS), proprioception, pressure pain threshold (PPT), arm circumference, and muscle strength were observed at the baseline and 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after induction of DOMS. Results Significant changes in the VAS (F4, 43.96 = 31.47; p = 0.001), PPT (F4, 1.35 = 35.07; p = 0.001), normalized arm circumference (F4, 0.001 = 3.87; p = 0.005), and normalized muscle strength (F4, 0.31 = 24.99; p = 0.001) were observed within the groups over time (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Normalized arm circumference was significantly different between the two groups at 48 and 72 h after induction of DOMS (p < 0.05). Conclusion Photobiomodulation therapy on Tianquan (PC2) and Chihtseh acupoints (LU5) before the exercise did not significantly decrease DOMS and increase muscle performance. Laser acupuncture as a supplemental therapy seemed to have no effect on DOMS prevention.
Highlights
Delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) is observed after sport in elite athletes, and it may affect the general population [1]
In both groups, decreased Visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) occurred at 48 h after DOMS induction, and increased normalized muscle strength occurred at postinduction
Unlike previous studies on the effect of acupuncture treatment on DOMS, our results of the present study indicated that laser acupuncture on Tianquan (PC2) and Chihtseh (LU5) acupoints before the induction of DOMS had no significant decrease in VAS and PPT to compare with control group
Summary
Delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) is observed after sport in elite athletes, and it may affect the general population [1]. It is a myogenic condition often caused 24 to 72 h after performing exercises that overload the muscles. The symptoms of DOMS, which include pain, muscle tenderness, and loss of joint range of motions, are alleviated over time [2]. Accompanying symptoms, such as muscular discomfort, often affect the sports performance and training schedule of the athlete [2]. The development of effective preventions that can help prevent DOMS may prove beneficial for athletes
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