Phoenix dactylifera pollen does not affect eccentric resistance exercise-induced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in female athletes

Abstract

This study is intended to investigate the effects of Phoneix Dactylifera pollen on markers of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) induced by eccentric resistance exercise in female athletes. Thirty-six female athletes were randomly selected and equally divided into 3 groups of 12 subjects, including: (1) 100 mg of P. dactylifera, (2) 200 mg of P. dactylifera, and (3) 100 mg of starch (placebo). Having received 10-day supplementation based on their groups label, all participants performed a bout of eccentric leg curl exercise by lying leg curl machine (five sets, three repetitions, each set with 110–130% one-repetition maximum, 1-min rest between sets). The blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, 3 and 4 days after the exercise. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of P < 0.05). Neither 100 mg nor 200 mg doses of P. dactylifera had considerably significant effects on blood levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lymphocytes and neutrophils, thigh circumference, the angle of leg extension and the Sargent jump (the markers of DOMS) compared to the placebo. Eccentric resistance exercise increased markers of DOMS; however, consuming either 100 or 200 mg P. dactylifera for 10 days before the exercise had no favorable effects on the DOMS markers in female athletes.