EVALUATION OF 3 PROTOCOLS TO ELICIT DELAYED ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS IN THE LUMBAR EXTENSOR MUSCLES 382

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to generate a protocol to elicit delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the lumbar extensor (LE) muscles. Seventeen healthy adults (8 women, 9 men) completed a maximum isometric strength test to determine peak torque. The subjects were then placed into one of three groups. Group 1 (n=6) performed 2 sets of 25 repetitions with a weight load that required 100% peak torque to lift (concentric actions were assisted), group 2(n=7) performed 4 sets of 25 repetitions at 40% peak torque, and group 3 (n=4) performed 10 sets of 10 repetitions at 40% peak torque. Pain and soreness were measured using standard scales at baseline, post-exercise, and every 6 h to 60 h post-exercise. Pain (see figure) and soreness were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. Subjects in group 1 had significantly(p≤.05) higher pain and soreness and took longer to reach peak pain and soreness (45-48 h vs. immediate post-exercise) compared to groups 2 & 3. Soreness values for group 1 remained above baseline for 60 h while groups 2& 3 returned to baseline within 24 h. These results indicate that the exercise performed by group 1, which emphasized eccentric muscle actions elicits significant DOMS in the LE muscles. As reported for other muscle groups, accentuated eccentric LE muscle actions produced greater pain and soreness than exercise that allows volitional completion of concentric actions.