The Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Recovery from Exercise-Induced Muscle Injury 2. Ibuprofen

Abstract

Objectives: The objective was to assess the effects of two doses of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen, 1600 mg and 3200 mg per day administered for six days, compared to placebo on muscle soreness, strength, swelling, and stiffness following experimentally-induced muscle injury in volunteer subjects.Methods: A one-time exercise consisting of repeated lowering of heavy loads with the elbow flexors was used to induce injury, which was manifested by soreness, swelling, stiffness, a reduction in relaxed arm angle, and a 50% loss in muscle strength from which recovery was only 50% complete in two weeks. After carrying out the exercise, subjects were randomly assigned to one of four groups, each with 20 subjects: 1. no treatment, 2. ibuprofen, 400 mg q.i.d., 3. ibuprofen, 800 mg q.i.d., or 4. placebo, q.i.d. The study was double-blind with respect to groups two, three, and four. Drug or placebo administration was begun on the day preceding the exercise. Measurements were made for two post-exerc...