Efficacy of Compressive Sleeve use for Reducing DOMS Symptoms Following Eccentric Loading of the Arm

Abstract

2008 Heavy eccentric exercise induces muscle damage and is implicated in causing delayed onset of muscle soreness. DOMS may be associated with loss of function and anthropometric alterations. PURPOSE: To determine if a compressive sleeve worn after a bout of eccentric arm exercise would lessen the symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage. Methods: Twelve non-strength trained males and females were matched for sex and arm strength, then assigned to one of two groups: non-treatment (NT, n = 5) or experimental (required wearing a compressive sleeve post-exercise for the ensuing 96 hours) (SL, n = 7). Subjects performed five sets of ten repetitions of the eccentric phase of the biceps curl at 120% of their concentric one-repetition max (1-RM). Measurements of active soreness (AS), arm circumference, relaxed elbow extension (REE), active elbow flexion (AEF), and peak isokinetic torque (concentric) (PIT), were collected prior to eccentric exercise and immediately, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the exercise bout. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results: AS showed a significant effect for time (p<0.001) and a trend (p = 0.062) for a group effect. REE showed a significant effect for time (p = 0.007), but no significant difference between the groups was observed. AEF showed a significant effect for time (p = 0.043) and a trend (p = 0.054) for an interaction; no group effect was present. Despite a 35.9% decrease in PIT post-exercise, no time (p = 0.053), interaction or group effects were present. No effects were present for arm circumference measures. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it appears that compressive sleeve therapy tended to exacerbate subjective perceived soreness, but did not appear to have affected objective measures in the days following heavy eccentric loading of the arm.