Symptoms Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Research Articles

Optimizing recovery: how PNF stretching and ice massage alleviate markers of DOMS?

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common problem for both trained or untrained individuals that develop after eccentric or unaccustomed exercise. The large number of cases of DOMS and the varying results of research related to the prevention and treatment of DOMS, imply the importance of research in the effective DOMS prevention. The aim of this research was to investigate the post-exercise effects of combination Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching and ice massage on markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (DOMS). Thirty-nine subjects between the ages of 15 to 17 were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. Subjects performed circuit training exercise-induced DOMS. The experimental group underwent 18 minutes of PNF stretching and 16 minutes of ice massage, which was given 2 hours after exercise. The control group did not receive any treatment. DOMS parameters (muscle soreness, creatine kinase/CK, aspartate aminotransferase/AST, neutrophil) and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) were assessed at 0 and 24 hours after exercise-induced DOMS. The parametric and non-parametric different tests was used in data analysis. The experimental groups showed a reduction in DOMS symptoms in the form of less muscle soreness and AST, better LEFS compared to control groups (p<0.05), but not for creatine kinase and neutrophils (p>0.05) which is an indicator of tissue damage. In conclusion, the combination of postexercise PNF stretching and ice massage was effective in reducing the severity of DOMS, but it was not able to prevent DOMS. Keywords: PNF Stretching, Ice Massage, DOMS, Creatine Kinase, Muscle Recovery, Exercise-induced Muscle Damage

Effects of Combined Heat and Cold Therapy and Exercise on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Healthy Persons

Purpose: This study was to compare the effects between heat and cold therapy and exercise on DOMS symptoms.Methods: 50-healthy male participants were divided into two groups; Heat and Cold therapy (HCT) group (25persons) and Exercise (E) group (25 persons). The Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness symptoms measurementconsists of pain levels, swelling, muscle strength, Range of motion of the knee and ankle joints. All of the variableswere measured before the experiment, after inducing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, after rehabilitation, afterthe experiment at 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours.Results: This study found that pain was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in both groups, swelling decreasedsignificantly after rehabilitation-only in the HCT group (p <0.05). Muscle strength, knee, and ankle Range of motionwere found not changed in both groups. When comparing the two groups, Range of motion in both sides of theknee in the HCT group found significantly higher than the E group when compared after 8 hours of rehabilitation(p <0.05). As for other variables, there found no difference between-group comparison.Conclusion: Both heat and cold therapy and moderate exercise could reduce pain in a healthy male. However,only heat and cold therapy could reduce swelling after causing muscle aches. Although heat and cold therapycould not improve Range of motion after Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness stimulation, it could treat Range ofmotion more than moderate exercise.

Effects of foam rolling for delayed onset muscle soreness on loaded military task performance and perceived recovery

Background/ObjectiveThe purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of foam rolling (FR) and passive recovery (PR) on symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and military-specific performance. MethodsTwenty men and women (age: 23.6 ± 4.1 years, height: 176.4 ± 5.6 cm, and body mass: 84.7 ± 13.4 kg) completed a DOMS-inducing exercise protocol (DIP), followed by FR or PR. Four loaded military tasks (LMT) were performed 24 h later. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured during DIP and after each LMT. Rating of muscle pain (RMP) was measured prior to the LMTs and after the recovery protocols. A repeated measure analysis of variance and partial eta squared were used to compare LMT performance across baseline, FR and PR sessions. Friedman tests compared perceptual variables across baseline, FR, and PR. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test evaluated RPE during DIP, post-DIP, and post-recovery RMP between FR and PR. ResultsLMT performance times were significantly faster after FR compared to PR (stair climb: p = .038, cover position sprint: p = .011, simulated ammunition can carry: p = .003, Shuttle Run: p = .034). RPE measured during LMTs was similar across all data points. Post-recovery RMP for FR (3.0 (2.3, 4.0)) and PR (4.0 (3.0, 6.0)) were not significantly different. ConclusionFR reduced the impact of DOMS on three loaded tactical performance tasks without significant reduction in perceived soreness.

Effects Of Foam Rolling For Delayed-onset Muscle Soreness On Military Performance And Perceived Recovery

PURPOSE: Evaluate the effects of post-exercise foam rolling (FR) and passive recovery (PR) on short-term symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and military performance tasks (MPT). METHODS: Twenty participants (23.6 ± 4.1 years) completed a baseline session that included four MPTs: 1) stair climb, 2) cover-to-cover sprint, 3) ammunition can carry, and 4) 200-yd shuttle run. All tasks were completed while participants wore a 12-kg weighted vest and timed using photocell laser timing gates. Participants then completed two experimental sessions that included a DOMS-inducing exercise protocol followed by either a 20-min FR or 20-min PR, and a follow-up MPT test 24 hours later. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured after each MPT. Ratings of muscle pain (RMP) were assessed prior to MPT and after FR and PR. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare peak and mean MPT times across baseline, FR and PR sessions. If necessary, a post-hoc pairwise comparison with least significant difference was performed. Friedman test compared perceptual variables between the three sessions. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test evaluated post-recovery RMP between FR and PR. RESULTS: MPT times after PR were slower than baseline or post-FR measurements (Table 1). MPT mean and peak times differed for all but two tasks. In addition, a medium-large effect size was found for all variables. Post-recovery RMP approached significance (p = .06) showing a slightly lower median of 3.0 (IQR 2.3 - 4.0) for FR compared to a median of 4.0 (IQR = 3.0 - 6.0) for PR. There was no difference (p = .21) in RPE across the sessions. Similarly, no difference (p = .09) was found for RMP assessed before each MPT session. CONCLUSION: FR appears to be an effective and practical recovery method for mitigating the negative performance effects associated with DOMS. Given the importance of military readiness, practitioners should consider including FR after strenuous exercise.

Whole-Body Vibration as a Warm-up Before Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage on Symptoms of Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness in Trained Subjects

Magoffin, RD, Parcell, AC, Hyldahl, RD, Fellingham, GW, Hopkins, JT, and Feland, JB. Whole-body vibration as a warm-up before exercise-induced muscle damage on symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness in trained subjects. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1123-1132, 2020-There is no clear scientific evidence that whole-body vibration (WBV) used as a warm-up before performing eccentric exercise mitigates delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and speeds strength loss recovery. These benefits were observed primarily in nonresistance-trained individuals. The aim of this study was to determine whether WBV could mitigate soreness and expedite strength recovery for resistance-trained individuals when used as a warm-up before eccentric exercise. Thirty resistance-trained males completed 300 maximal eccentric contractions of the quadriceps after warming up with (WBV) or without (CON) WBV. Both CON and WBV experienced significant isometric (26.3 and 30.2%, respectively) and dynamic (50.9 and 46.4%, respectively) strength loss immediately after exercise. Isometric strength was significantly depressed after 24 hours in the CON group (8.2% p < 0.02), but not in the WBV group (5.9% p = 0.7). Isometric strength was no longer significantly depressed after 48 hours in the CON group (6.1% p < 0.07) or the WBV group (4.1% p = 0.20). Dynamic strength was significantly decreased in both the CON and WBV groups at 24 hours (17.7% p < 0.001 and 15.5% p < 0.001, respectively) and 48 hours (17.1% p < 0.01 and 13.6% p < 0.002), but only significant for the CON at 1 week after exercise (8.6% p = 0.05). Pain as measured by a visual analog scale was significant in both groups at 24 and 48 hours after exercise, but WBV experienced significantly less soreness than the CON group after 24 hours (28 vs. 46 mm p < 0.01, respectively) and 48 hours (38 vs. 50 mm p < 0.01). Pain pressure threshold increased significantly in both groups, but there was no difference between groups. These results suggest the use of WBV before eccentric exercise mildly mitigates DOMS in trained individuals. Application of WBV can function as a quick mode of warm-up before resistance training and can decrease pain perception from DOMS. This may be beneficial to athletes undergoing a heavy strength training phase where DOMS is likely.

A comparative study of the effects of infrared radiation and warm-up exercises in the management of DOMS

Introduction: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is associated with temporary morbidity as a result of pain, soreness, and reduced muscular performance that affects the overall performance of the individual. Several interventional modalities have been studied without a conclusive evidence of efficacy. Objective: This study was carried out as part of a continuous attempt to find an effective and quick relief for DOMS. The study investigated the comparative effects of warm-up exercises and infrared radiation in ameliorating the symptoms associated with DOMS. Materials and Methods: Sixty volunteer subjects between the age of 16 years and 35 years had DOMS induced in the left biceps brachii muscle. They were randomized into three groups with 20 subjects in each group. The groups were allocated as follows: Group A as control that received no treatment, Group B had a bout of warm-up exercises consisting of 10 sets of maximal elbow flexion and extension after which DOMS was experimentally induced, and Group C had infrared radiation for 20 min after which DOMS was experimentally induced. Assessment for muscle soreness, pain, and joint range of motion (ROM) was carried out immediately after inducing DOMS and it was repeated 24 h and 48 h later using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), deep palpation (DP), and goniometry, respectively. Results: The infrared group (Group C) had significantly lower scores on NPRS and DP throughout the 3 days compared with the control while the significant effects of warm-up exercises were seen from day 2. There was, however, no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the range of movement (ROM) scores. Compared with warm-up exercises (Group B), infrared resulted in significantly lower NPRS and DP scores and greater ROM only on day 1. Conclusion: Infrared radiation (IRR) is effective in ameliorating the symptoms of DOMS immediately after treatment on day 1 while the effect of warm-up exercises is seen 24 h later. IRR, thus, has a better effect than warm-up exercises in ameliorating the symptoms associated with DOMS.

The Potential Cytoprotective Influence of Estradiol and Fish Oil Supplementation on Indices of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Females

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) occurs following unaccustomed exercise, usually involving eccentric muscle contractions. Eccentric exercise contractions may cause harsh morphological changes in the individual muscle fiber. Various interventions have been proposed to attenuate EIMD and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). An intriguing proposed intervention involves 17-? estradiol (estrogen) as an anti-oxidant. Estrogen has a cyto-protective effect on the sarcolemma, which protects the muscle from oxidative-induced muscle damage known to occur with strenuous exercise. It has been theorized that estrogen has the functional capacity to act as a membrane stabilizer, Due to the supposed cytoprotective effects of estrogen, females are thought to be less predisposed to exercise-induced muscle damage than males. However, females may be more prone to muscle damage during the low estrogen point in their 28-35 day cycle (follicular phase) compared to their high estrogen point (luteal phase). Numerous treatments have been proposed to minimize muscle damage and alleviate the symptoms of DOMS, but a clear beneficial treatment has not yet been identified. Another intriguing idea is that the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids may help counteract the inflammatory state associated with muscle damage and DOMS. The omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are of interest as they are common components of fish oil supplements and have been shown to be beneficial in improving some inflammatory conditions. As a result, fish oil supplementation has been suggested to be important for cytoprotection due to its anti-oxidant potential for significantly decreasing markers of muscle damage. Therefore, fish oil supplementation may reduce oxidative stress, thereby augmenting cytoprotection throughout the course of the 28-day menstrual cycle.

Is Myofascial Pain in Temporomandibular Disorder Patients a Manifestation of Delayed-onset Muscle Soreness?

In a study to the possible role of overuse of the jaw muscles in the pathogenesis of jaw muscle pain, we used a protocol involving concentric and eccentric muscle contractions to provoke a state of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the jaw muscles of healthy individuals. We tested whether the accompanying signs and symptoms would yield the temporary diagnosis of myofascial pain according to the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) in these individuals. Forty persons (mean age±SD=27.7±7.5 y) performed six, 5-minute bouts of eccentric and concentric jaw muscle contractions. Before and immediately after the exercise, and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week later, self-reported muscle fatigue and pain, pain-free maximum mouth opening, pressure-pain thresholds, and the number of painful jaw muscle palpation sites were recorded. Significant signs and symptoms of DOMS in the jaw muscles were found, which all had resolved after 1 week. In 31 (77.5%) of the participants, these signs and symptoms also gave rise to a temporary diagnosis of myofascial pain according to the RDC/TMD. The results of this study demonstrate that an experimental protocol involving concentric and eccentric muscle contractions can provoke DOMS in the jaw muscles and the temporary diagnosis of myofascial pain according to the RDC/TMD. The results observed strengthen the supposition that the myofascial pain in TMD patients may be a manifestation of DOMS in the jaw muscles.

Efeitos de um tratamento combinado (vitamina C pré-exercício e alongamento FNP, tratamento com ultrassom pós-exercício) sobre marcadores de dano muscular induzido por exercício

CONTEXTO: Várias estratégias de recuperação têm sido utilizadas na tentativa de minimizar os sintomas da dor muscular de início tardio (DMIT). Contudo, evidências científicas que apoiem este efeito profilático (pré-exercício) e terapêutico (pós-exercício) de um tratamento combinado (FNP e vitamina C, ultrassom) no dano muscular são inexistentes. OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos de um tratamento combinado (FNP e vitamina C, ultrassom) nos marcadores bioquímicos (níveis enzimáticos) e funcionais (ângulo do cotovelo, circunferência de braço, taxa de dor) de dano muscular induzido por exercício. MÉTODO: Amostra randomizada controlada. LOCAL: Laboratório da Universidade. PARTICIPANTES: Alunos universitários masculinos participaram voluntariamente do estudo, o qual não reportou nenhuma dor muscular de início tardio por no mínimo seis meses antes do estudo. Posteriormente, os sujeitos foram agrupados aleatoriamente em subgrupos com mão controle e mão experimental. INTERVENÇÃO(ÕES): Programa de exercício para indução de dano muscular induzido por exercício envolvendo o teste de bíceps Scott (contração excêntrica com duas mãos). PROCEDIMENTO(S) PRINCIPAL(IS): Circunferência de braço relaxado, circunferência de braço flexionado, ângulo de cotovelo em descanso, circunferência de antebraço, amplitude de movimento de cotovelo flexionado, amplitude de movimento de cotovelo estendido, dano muscular induzido por exercício, força máxima voluntária isométrica e isocinética foram registrados basal, imediatamente após exercício e 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas após exercício. RESULTADOS: O subgrupo experimental manifestou redução de sintomas de DMIT em menor amplitude de movimento de cotovelo flexionado e amplitude de movimento de cotovelo estendido, menor perda de força isométrica e isocinética voluntária máxima (P &lt; 0,05) em comparação com o subgrupo controle. Contudo, nenhum efeito na circunferência de braço relaxado, circunferência de braço flexionado, ângulo de cotovelo em descanso ou circunferência de antebraço foi observado (P &gt;0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Este tratamento combinado foi eficiente em contração máxima voluntária isométrica, dor muscular de início tardio e taxa de intensidade de dor ao longo do tempo. Finalmente, os resultados sugerem que os tratamentos combinados são eficientes na manutenção de força isométrica e diminuição de dor muscular de início tardio e taxa de intensidade de dor.

The Effect of Exercise and Nutritional Supplementation on Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression in Young Racehorses During Training

The inflammatory response to vigorous exercise ranges from the mild symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness to debilitating injuries affecting soft tissue, joint, and bone. Although there is a great deal of information available on the inflammatory response to exercise in human athletes, less information is available regarding the inflammatory response to exercise in young horses undergoing training for racing careers. Here, we assessed the cytokine response to exercise in a group of young Thoroughbred racehorses during their initial training. Because there is interest in nonpharmacologic approaches to control or ameliorate exercise-induced inflammation, we also examined the anti-inflammatory effect of a nutritional supplement fed to half of the horses undergoing training. Twenty-five Thoroughbred horses aged 2 years were followed through their initial race training. Peripheral blood samples were collected at various times during the exercise for the quantitation of lactic acid, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine gene expression. There was an intensity-dependent effect of exercise on lactate, malondialdehyde, and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression. Although training itself was associated with an overall reduction in inflammatory markers, horses receiving the supplement exhibited further reductions in their indicators of inflammation. As such, this study provides novel evidence of nutritional supplementation reducing postexercise inflammation.

원심성 운동 전 진동 훈련이 하퇴근육의 지연성 근통증에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 왼쪽 하퇴삼두근의 원심성 운동으로 인한 지연성 근통증에서 진동훈련의 효과를 알아보고자 하였다. 이전에 규칙적인 하지 운동에 참여하지 않은 21명의 신체 건강한 남녀를 대상으로 진동훈련군과 대조군으로 나누었다. 통증척도, 발목 족저굴근의 근력, 하퇴삼두근의 둘레, 혈중 CK 수치를 원심성 운동전, 24시간, 48시간, 72시간 후에 측정하였다. 통증척도는 지연성 근통증 유발 후 48시 시점에 집단 간 유의한 차이를 보였고, 측정시기에 따라 집단 내 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<.05). 족저굴근의 근력은 진동훈련 집단 간의 유의한 차이는 보이지 않았으나, 측정시기에 따라 집단 내 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<.05). 하퇴삼두근 둘레는 진동훈련 집단 간 유의한 차이는 보이지 않았으나, 측정시기에 따라 집단 내 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<.05). 혈중 CK 수치는 진동훈련 집단 간에 유의한 차이는 보이지 않았으나, 측정시기에 따라 집단 내 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<.05). 본 연구결과로 원심성 운동 전 진동훈련은 통증을 억제하는 효과가 있으므로 익숙하지 않은 활동을 하거나, 스포츠 활동에서의 지연성 근통증을 예방하기 위한 한 방법으로 제시될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. This study examined the effect of VT(Vibration Training) on the symptoms of DOMS (Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness) before induced by eccentric exercise of the left leg triceps surae. Twenty one healthy adult men and women who had not participated in a regular exercise program for the lower extremities were assigned to one of two experimental groups: vibration training group, Control group. We measured the VAS(Visual Analogue Scale), ankle plantar flexor strength, triceps surae circumference, CK(Creatine Kinase) before and after exercise and 24, 48 and 72 hours after eccentric exercise. After inducing DOMS, VAS showed significant differences between groups at a point of time 48 hours, and showed significant differences within groups in accordance with the time of measurement(p<.05). Plantar flexor strength of groups with VT did not show significant difference between groups but, showed significant differences within groups in accordance with the time of measurement(p<.05). Triceps surae circumference of groups with VT did not show significant difference between groups but, showed significant differences within groups in accordance with the time of measurement(p<.05). CK of groups with VT did not show significant difference between groups but, showed significant differences within groups in accordance with the time of measurement(p<.05). As a result of the study, VT prior to eccentric exercise is effective to inhibit pain. So, this method can be suggested to prevent DOMS in doing an unfamiliar activites.

Whole-Body Vibration and the Prevention and Treatment of Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

Numerous recovery strategies have been used in an attempt to minimize the symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been suggested as a viable warm-up for athletes. However, scientific evidence to support the protective effects of WBV training (WBVT) on muscle damage is lacking. To investigate the acute effect of WBVT applied before eccentric exercise in the prevention of DOMS. Randomized controlled trial. University laboratory. A total of 32 healthy, untrained volunteers were randomly assigned to either the WBVT (n = 15) or control (n = 17) group. Volunteers performed 6 sets of 10 maximal isokinetic (60°/s) eccentric contractions of the dominant-limb knee extensors on a dynamometer. In the WBVT group, the training was applied using a vibratory platform (35 Hz, 5 mm peak to peak) with 100° of knee flexion for 60 seconds before eccentric exercise. No vibration was applied in the control group. Muscle soreness, thigh circumference, and pressure pain threshold were recorded at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14 days postexercise. Maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic knee extensor strength were assessed at baseline, immediately after exercise, and at 1, 2, 7, and 14 days postexercise. Serum creatine kinase was measured at baseline and at 1, 2, and 7 days postexercise. The WBVT group showed a reduction in DOMS symptoms in the form of less maximal isometric and isokinetic voluntary strength loss, lower creatine kinase levels, and less pressure pain threshold and muscle soreness (P < .05) compared with the control group. However, no effect on thigh circumference was evident (P < .05). Administered before eccentric exercise, WBVT may reduce DOMS via muscle function improvement. Further investigation should be undertaken to ascertain the effectiveness of WBVT in attenuating DOMS in athletes.

Provocation of delayed-onset muscle soreness in the human jaw-closing muscles

Eccentric contractions of jaw-closing muscles are difficult to perform. This may explain why fatigue-inducing experiments performed so far suggest the jaw-closing muscles to be fatigue resistant. Aim of this study was to construct an apparatus that can impose intense eccentric contractions to the jaw-closing muscles, and to test the hypothesis that eccentric contractions can provoke symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in these muscles. The provocation apparatus consists of two tungsten arms connected by a hinge axis on one end. Participants bite with their anterior teeth on biting plates located on the other end. Each time the experimenter gradually releases the compression force of the apparatus’ rubber tubings, the mouth is forced open and the jaw-closing muscles perform an eccentric contraction. Six male participants performed eccentric contractions of their jaw-closing muscles in six sets of exercises, each lasting 5 min, and with 1 min of rest in between. Each set consisted of 60 open-close movements. Before and after the exercises, and after 24 h, 48 h, and 1 week, feelings of fatigue and pain, the maximum mouth opening without pain, muscles’ tenderness to palpation and the maximum voluntary bite force were recorded. After 24 h and 48 h, the levels of fatigue and pain were elevated, the maximum mouth opening without pain was smaller, and five of the participants reported tenderness to palpation. The maximum voluntary bite force was also smaller after 24 h. These findings indicate that this novel apparatus is successful in inducing DOMS in the jaw-closing muscles.

Symptomatic and Functional Responses to Concentric-Eccentric Isokinetic Versus Eccentric-Only Isotonic Exercise

Rehabilitation protocols involving eccentric resistance exercise performed with loading more than 100% concentric 1-repetition maximum are effective in increasing muscle function in both healthy and injured populations. The mode of eccentric exercise (isokinetic versus isotonic) may be an important factor in limiting symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness and in improving muscle function after training. To compare functional and symptomatic responses after an eccentric-only (ECC) isotonic exercise protocol and after a combined concentric-eccentric (CON-ECC) isokinetic exercise protocol matched for total exercise volume. Observational study. Controlled research laboratory. Twenty-four healthy, untrained, college-aged men (n = 12) and women (n = 12). Participants were randomly assigned to the ECC isotonic or CON-ECC isokinetic exercise group and performed a single bout of resistance exercise involving the elbow flexors. Measurements of elbow flexion and extension, isometric strength, and muscle point tenderness were obtained before exercise (baseline) and during follow-up sessions (days 2, 4, 7, and 14). Separate 1-way analyses of variance and repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to determine outcome differences. Tukey post hoc testing was performed when indicated. At baseline, no differences were present between groups for any measure. The ECC isotonic exercise protocol resulted in a 30% to 36% deficit in muscle strength, a 5% to 7% reduction in elbow flexion, and a 6% to 8% reduction in elbow extension at follow-up days 2 and 4 (P < .01). The CON-ECC isokinetic exercise protocol did not alter muscle strength or range of motion at any time when compared with baseline. Muscle point tenderness increased from baseline on days 2 and 4 in both groups (P < .05) but was not different between groups throughout the recovery period. Our results indicated more pronounced functional deficits occurred after a single bout of ECC isotonic exercise than with a CON-ECC isokinetic exercise protocol matched for training volume.

Effect of a combination dietary supplement product (Bounce-Back™) on the signs and symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness after eccentric exercise: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study

Background Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is muscle pain and discomfort experienced approximately one to three days after exercise and is believed to be a result of microscopic muscle fiber tears. The Bounce-BackTM product is a combination of several dietary supplement ingredients which have individually been shown to improve the inflammation and pain associated with DOMS (digestive enzymes, Bromelain, Curcumin, Vitamin C) in combination with an Avocado Soy extract and Resveratrol. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of the BounceBackTM product to reduce the signs and symptoms of DOMS and increase the rate of muscle recovery following eccentric exercise.

Effects Of Acupuncture On Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a frequently observed phenomenon in recreational or experienced athletes. It is associated with tenderness, pain and impairments in muscle function which may interfere with training capacity and athletic performance. Although acupuncture might minimize signs and symptoms of DOMS, there is no consistent evidence. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a standardized acupuncture treatment on symptoms and muscle function in exercise-induced DOMS. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled observer and patient-blinded trial was undertaken. Twenty-two healthy sport students (22-30 yrs.; 10 males & 12 females) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: verum acupuncture (deep needling at classic acupuncture points and tender points; n=7), sham-acupuncture (superficial needling at non-acupuncture points; n=8) and control (no needling; n=7). DOMS of the non-dominant elbow-flexors was experimentally induced through eccentric contractions until exhaustion. The outcomes measures were pain perception (visual analogue scale; VAS; range: 0-100mm), mechanical pain threshold (MPT; pressure algometer), and maximum isometric voluntary force (MVIF; force transducer). Treatment was applied immediately, 24 and 48 hours after DOMS induction. Measurements of MPT and MIVF were made prior to DOMS induction as well as before and after every treatment session. VAS data were acquired post- induction as well as pre- and post-treatment. Final pain, MPT and MIVF measurements were performed 72 hours after DOMS induction. RESULTS: Following nonparametric testing, there were no significant differences between groups in outcome measures at baseline. After 72 hours, pain perception was significantly lower in the acupuncture group (mean ± SD: 5mm ± 7mm) compared to the sham-acupuncture (mean ± SD: 26mm ± 16mm) and control subjects (mean ± SD: 21mm ± 14mm) (p<0.05). However, the mean MPT and MIVF scores were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although acupuncture seemed to have no effects on mechanical pain threshold and muscle function, it proved to reduce perceived pain arising from exercise-induced muscle damage. Future studies should examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in routine athletic care.

Effects of tender point acupuncture on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) – a pragmatic trial

BackgroundAcupuncture is used to reduce inflammation and decrease pain in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This study investigates the efficacy of acupuncture on the symptoms of DOMS.MethodsThirty subjects were assigned randomly to there groups, namely the control, non-tender point and tender point groups. Measurement of pain with full elbow flexion was used as indices of efficacy. Measurements were taken before and after exercise, immediately after treatment and seven days after treatment.ResultsSignificant differences in visual analog scores for pain were found between the control group and tender point group immediately after treatment and three days after exercise (P < 0.05, Dunnetts multiple test).ConclusionThe results show that tender point acupuncture relieves muscle pain of DOMS.

Ice-water immersion and delayed-onset muscle soreness: a randomised controlled trial

Objective: To determine if ice-water immersion after eccentric quadriceps exercise minimises the symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Design: A prospective randomised double-blind controlled trial was undertaken. 40 untrained volunteers...

Muscle tenderness from exercise: mechanisms?

When we carry out a bout of intense exercise we can, at times, reach the point where the exercise becomes painful. But as soon as we stop, the pain subsides. However, there is one form of exercise, eccentric exercise, where there is typically no pain immediately after the exercise, but we find ourselves stiff and sore next day. The soreness can persist for 4–5 days, depending on the severity of the exercise. The reason for the delayed soreness is that, in someone unaccustomed to eccentric exercise, it leads to localized areas of damage in muscle fibres. The present-day view is that the inflammatory response triggered by the damage leads to a sensitization of muscle nociceptors. For a review, see Proske & Morgan (2001). The soreness, referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), has a number of features that distinguish it from other forms of muscle pain. Incidentally, the accompanying sensation of muscle stiffness is the result of a damage-related rise in passive tension within the muscle (Whitehead et al. 2001). There is also some muscle swelling the day after the exercise. A characteristic feature of DOMS is that there is no chronic pain. So on the morning after the exercise we feel fine, until we get out of bed and take the first few tottering steps. Pain from DOMS can be evoked by muscle contraction, stretch and palpation, all mechanical stimuli that do not evoke any sensations of pain in an unexercised individual. It is for that reason it should be referred to as a tenderness, rather than a soreness. It has led to the view that DOMS is a type of hyperalgesia and is distinct from other kinds of muscle pain such as myositis, where there is typically some chronic pain associated with tonic activity in nociceptors (Berberich et al. 1988). Because of the unusual features of DOMS and because of the debilitating effects DOMS may have on the performance of competing athletes, there has been a need to find out more about the underlying neural mechanisms. Studying pain mechanisms in human subjects is fraught with difficulties, and only limited insight can ever be achieved, especially about central mechanisms. These are circumstances where animal models can play an important role. This issue of The Journal of Physiology contains the first description of an animal model suitable for the study of neural mechanisms underlying DOMS (Taguchi et al. 2005). The extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle of anaesthetized rats was contracted eccentrically numerous times and the animals were then allowed to recover. Interestingly, on recovery, the exercised rats showed no behavioural evidence of muscle tenderness. On day 2 after the exercise, one group of animals was subjected to periods of mechanical compression of the exercised muscle. Only in this group, not in the exercised animals that were not given compressions, was there evidence of up-regulation of c-Fos expression in the spinal dorsal horn, at the level of entry of afferents coming from EDL. The authors conclude that, given the diffuse and dull character of DOMS, it makes it likely to be a sensation mediated by C-fibre afferents. However, there is evidence that the story of DOMS is not as simple as that. It has been shown that the discomfort experienced from strong mechanical compression of unexercised human calf muscles can be reduced by superimposing 80 Hz vibration on the compression. This is probably an example of the phenomenon ‘rubbing it makes it better’. If this procedure is repeated in someone with the symptoms of DOMS, the vibration exacerbates the discomfort, rather than alleviating it (Weerakkody et al. 2003). The result raises a number of issues. Presumably as a result of the exercise, there has been a change in the central processing of the vibration-evoked afferent signals. Vibration frequencies of up to 120 Hz reduced the pain threshold (Weerakkody et al. 2003). It makes it unlikely that the afferents involved are in the C-fibre range, given the long refractory period for unmyelinated fibres. Other potential candidates for the vibration response are mechanically sensitive group III afferents (Paintal, 1960). It has also been shown that the pain threshold to mechanical pressure in someone with DOMS rises if the large muscle afferents, within the group I–II range, are blocked (Barlas et al. 2000; Weerakkody et al. 2003). It raises the possibility that large muscle afferents can contribute to DOMS and that DOMS could be seen to have features of a secondary hyperalgesia and allodynia. Direct evidence for mechanisms of this kind can now be sought in animal models of the type described by Taguchi et al. (2005).

EFFECTS OF DEEP HEAT AS A PREVENTATIVE MECHANISM ON DELAYED ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS

The effects of increased muscle temperature via continuous ultrasound prior to a maximal bout of eccentric exercise were investigated on the symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) of the elbow flexors. Perceived muscle soreness, upper arm circumferences, range of motion (ROM), and isometric and isokinetic strength were measured over 7 days on 14 college-aged men (n = 6) and women (n = 8). Ten minutes of continuous ultrasound (ULT) or sham-ultrasound (CON) were administered. Muscle temperature was measured in the biceps brachii of both arms. Muscle temperature increased by 1.79° ± 0.49° C (mean ± SD) in the experimental arm of the ULT group. Muscle soreness was induced by a single bout of 50 maximal eccentric contractions. The ULT group did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) from the CON group with respect to perceived muscle soreness, upper arm circumference, ROM, and isometric and isokinetic strength. In conclusion, increased muscle temperature failed to provide significant prophylactic effects on the symptoms of DOMS.