The Effect Of Acupuncture Treatment On The Recovery From Delayed Onset Of Muscle Soreness(DOMS)

Abstract

Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is attributed to novel activity, overexertion, and eccentric muscle loading. It is associated with impaired strength, localized swelling, discomfort, and reduced range of motion. DOMS treatments traditionally include ice, heat, massage, rest, and anti-inflammatory drugs. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a single acupuncture treatment on the severity and duration DOMS. METHODS: Twenty nine healthy subjects(mean age 23 yr.)volunteered to perform a familiarization trial of 6 RM dumbbell bicep curl @ a 3-1-3 cadence, water immersion for arm volume (Vol), and a Pain Rating Scale (PRS), cumulatively labeled as the evaluation (E). A minimum of five days following the familiarization trial, Pre DOMS E was obtained followed by the DOMS induction treatment (bicep curl with concentric failure @ the 6 RM load and eccentric failure @ 6RM load plus 40%). Post DOMS E was obtained within 15 minutes post induction. Subjects were randomly assigned to either treatment group Acupuncture (A) or Sham (S) and at 24 hours post induction, the pre-treatment E and the post-treatment E were administered. Five sites (head, shoulder (2), elbow, hand, and asci (3 at the point of maximal DOMS) were used for needle insertion. Trial A used deep insertion at acupoint sites; Trial S used superficial needle insertions that were in proximity to, but not at the acupoint sites. At 48, 72, and 96 hrs post DOMS induction E were obtained, respectively. Statistical analysis by ANOVA was applied to these data (p<.05). RESULTS: The following data were obtained for Trial A and S, respectively:TableNo significant differences were found between treatments. CONCLUSION: The use of a single acupuncture treatment does not alter the time course of DOMS recovery.