Subjective Muscle Soreness Research Articles

Time Course of Performance Indexes, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Muscle Damage Markers after a Female Futsal Match.

Our aims were to investigate the time-course effects of a futsal match on performance, oxidative stress, and muscle damage markers, as well as inflammatory and antioxidant responses during a 6-day post-match period. Thirty-four female high-level futsal players were assessed on several oxidative stress, inflammation, subjective muscle soreness, subjective rate perceived exertion, and performance tests before a futsal match, immediately after, and 24 h to 144 h after. Counter movement jump, 20 m, and 10 m sprints performance significantly decreased immediately after the match (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 72 h post-match (p > 0.05). Delayed onset muscle soreness peaked 24 h post-match and rate perceived exertion peaked post-match (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 96 h post-match (p > 0.05). Inflammatory biomarkers peaked at 24 h (p < 0.05) and remained significantly elevated for 72 h after the match (p < 0.05). Muscle damage biomarkers peaked at 24 h (p < 0.05) and remained significantly (p < 0.05) elevated for at least 72 h after the match. Oxidative stress markers peaked at 24 h-48 h (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 120 h post-match (p > 0.05). In respect to antioxidant responses, these peaked at 24 h-48 h post-match (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 120 h after the match (p > 0.05). A single futsal match induces short/mid-term changes in performance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle damage markers for about 72 h-96 h post-match.

Objective Measures of Strain and Subjective Muscle Soreness Differ Between Positional Groups and Season Phases in American College Football.

To assess objective strain and subjective muscle soreness in "Bigs" (offensive and defensive line), "Combos" (tight ends, quarterbacks, line backers, and running backs), and "Skills" (wide receivers and defensive backs) in American college football players during off-season, fall camp, and in-season phases. Twenty-three male players were assessed once weekly (3-wk off-season, 4-wk fall camp, and 3-wk in-season) for hydroperoxides (free oxygen radical test [FORT]), antioxidant capacity (free oxygen radical defense test [FORD]), oxidative stress index (OSI), countermovement-jump flight time, Reactive Strength Index (RSI) modified, and subjective soreness. Linear mixed models analyzed the effect of a 2-within-subject-SD change between predictor and dependent variables. Compared to fall camp and in-season phases, off-season FORT (P ≤ .001 and <.001), FORD (P ≤ .001 and <.001), OSI (P ≤ .001 and <.001), flight time (P ≤ .001 and <.001), RSI modified (P ≤ .001 and <.001), and soreness (P ≤ .001 and <.001) were higher for "Bigs," whereas FORT (P ≤ .001 and <.001) and OSI (P = .02 and <.001) were lower for "Combos." FORT was higher for "Bigs" compared to "Combos" in all phases (P ≤ .001, .02, and .01). FORD was higher for "Skills" compared with "Bigs" in off-season (P = .02) and "Combos" in-season (P = .01). OSI was higher for "Bigs" compared with "Combos" (P ≤ .001) and "Skills" (P = .01) during off-season and to "Combos" in-season (P ≤ .001). Flight time was higher for "Skills" in fall camp compared with "Bigs" (P = .04) and to "Combos" in-season (P = .01). RSI modified was higher for "Skills" during off-season compared with "Bigs" (P = .02) and "Combos" during fall camp (P = .03), and in-season (P = .03). Off-season American college football training resulted in higher objective strain and subjective muscle soreness in "Bigs" compared with fall camp and during in-season compared with "Combos" and "Skills" players.

A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training.

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of a single infrared sauna (IRS) session on post-exercise recovery of neuromuscular performance, autonomic nervous system function, subjective sleep quality, and muscle soreness. Male basketball players (n = 16) performed two trials consisting of a complex resistance exercise protocol (maximal strength with plyometrics), followed by either 20 min passive recovery (PAS) or IRS (temperature 43 ± 5°C), in a randomized crossover design, with trials separated by one week. Recovery of neuromuscular performance was assessed using 20 m maximal sprint, maximal countermovement-jump (CMJ), and isometric leg press tests, performed 14 hours after exercise. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), sleep diary, muscle soreness, and indirect muscle damage markers were measured pre and post exercise. The decrease in CMJ performance from pre- to post-exercise was attenuated after IRS compared to PAS (p < 0.01). The IRS session resulted in higher HR and lower root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), and high and low frequency power, compared to PAS (p < 0.002). Post-exercise night-time HR and HRV did not differ following IRS vs. PAS. Muscle soreness was less severe, and perceived recovery was higher after IRS compared to PAS (p < 0.01). Post-exercise IRS attenuated the drop in explosive performance and decreased subjective muscle soreness after resistance training, which may enhance mood, readiness, and physical performance of an athlete. A single IRS session had no detrimental effects on recovery of the autonomic nervous system.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation Does Not Accelerate Recovery after a Change of Direction Sprinting Exercise Protocol.

BCAAs supplementation has been widely used for post-exercise recovery. However, no evidence is currently available to answer the question of whether BCAAs supplementation can attenuate muscle damage and ameliorate recovery after a bout of change of direction (COD) sprinting, which is an exercise motion frequently used during team sport actions. This study aimed to assess the effect of BCAAs supplementation on muscle damage markers, subjective muscle soreness, neuromuscular performance, and the vascular health of collegiate basketball players during a 72 h recovery period after a standardized COD protocol. Participants orally received either BCAAs (0.17 g/kg BCAAs + 0.17 g/kg glucose) or placebo (0.34 g/kg glucose) supplementation before and immediately after a COD exercise protocol in a randomized, crossover, double-blind, and placebo-controlled manner. Creatine kinase increased immediately after exercise and peaked at 24 h, muscle soreness remained elevated until 72 h, whilst arterial stiffness decreased after exercise for both supplemented conditions. A negligibly lower level of interleukin-6 was found in the BCAAs supplemented condition. In conclusion, the results of this study do not support the benefits of BCAAs supplementation on mitigating muscle damage and soreness, neuromuscular performance, and arterial stiffness after COD for basketball players.

Effects of Unilateral Muscle Fatigue on Thermographic Skin Surface Temperature of Back and Abdominal Muscles-A Pilot Study.

The present study aimed to assess the effects of asymmetric muscle fatigue on the skin surface temperature of abdominal and back muscles. The study was based on a pre-post/follow-up design with one group and included a total of 41 subjects (22 male, 19 female; age, 22.63 ± 3.91; weight, 71.89 ± 12.97 kg; height, 173.36 ± 9.95). All the participants were asked to perform side bends in sets of 20 repetitions on a Roman chair until complete exhaustion. The pre-, post- and follow-up test (24 h after) skin surface temperatures were recorded with infrared thermography. Subjective muscle soreness and muscle fatigue were analyzed using two questionnaires. The results of the post hoc tests showed that skin temperature was statistically significantly lower in the post-tests than in the pre- and follow-up tests, but no meaningful differences existed between the pre- and follow-up tests. Asymmetric side differences were found in the post-test for the upper and lower areas of the back. Differences were also noted for the front in both the upper and lower areas. No thermographic side asymmetries were found at the pre- or follow-up measurement for either the back or the front. Our results support the potential of using thermographic skin surface temperature to monitor exercise and recovery in athletes, as well as its use in rehabilitational exercise selection.

Effects of compression garment on muscular efficacy, proprioception, and recovery after exercise-induced muscle fatigue onset for people who exercise regularly.

Fatigue is a major cause of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Compression garments (CGs) can aid post-exercise recovery, therefore, this study explored the effects of CGs on muscular efficacy, proprioception, and recovery after exercise-induced muscle fatigue in people who exercise regularly. Twelve healthy participants who exercised regularly were enrolled in this study. Each participant completed an exercise-induced muscle fatigue test while wearing a randomly assigned lower-body CG or sports pants (SP); after at least 7 days, the participant repeated the test while wearing the other garment. The dependent variables were muscle efficacy, proprioception (displacements of center of pressure/COP, and absolute error), and fatigue recovery (muscle oxygen saturation/SmO2, deoxygenation and reoxygenation rate, and subjective muscle soreness). A two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was conducted to determine the effect of garment type. The results indicated that relative to SP use, CG use can promote muscle efficacy, proprioception in ML displacement of COP, and fatigue recovery. Higher deoxygenation and reoxygenation rates were observed with CG use than with SP use. For CG use, SmO2 quickly returned to baseline value after 10 min of rest and was maintained at a high level until after 1 h of rest, whereas for SP use, SmO2 increased with time after fatigue onset. ML displacement of COP quickly returned to baseline value after 10 min of rest and subsequently decreased until after 1 hour of rest. Relative to SP use, CG use was associated with a significantly lower ML displacement after 20 min of rest. In conclusion, proprioception and SmO2 recovery was achieved after 10 min of rest; however, at least 24 h may be required for recovery pertaining to muscle efficacy and soreness regardless of CG or SP use.

Profiling the Post-match Recovery Response in Male Rugby: A Systematic Review.

Aben, HGJ, Hills, SP, Cooke, CB, Davis, D, Jones, B, and Russell, M. Profiling the post-match recovery response in male rugby: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 2050-2067, 2022-To minimize underperformance, injury, and illness, and to enhance readiness for training and match-play, post-match responses are commonly monitored within professional rugby. As no clear consensus exists regarding the magnitude and duration of post-match recovery, this review summarized the literature (17 studies yielded from literature searching/screening) reporting neuromuscular (countermovement jump [CMJ], peak power output [PP], and flight time [FT]), biochemical (creatine kinase [CK]) or endocrine (cortisol [C] and testosterone [T] concentrations), and subjective (wellness questionnaire and muscle soreness) indices after rugby match-play. For neuromuscular responses (11 studies), reductions in PP <31.5% occurred <30 minutes after match, returning to baseline within 48-72 hours. Post-match reductions in FT of <4% recovered after 48 hours. For biochemical and endocrine responses (14 studies), increases in CK, ranging from 120 to 451%, peaked between 12 and 24 hours, returning to baseline within 72 hours of match-play. Initial increases of <298% in C and reductions in T concentrations (<44%) returned to pre-match values within 48-72 hours. Mood disturbances (6 studies) required 48-72 hours to normalize after peak decrements of <65% at 24 hours. This review highlights that 72 hours were needed to restore perturbations in neuromuscular, biochemical and endocrine, and subjective/perceptual responses after competitive rugby match-play. Notably, only 4 studies reported responses in more ecologically valid scenarios (i.e., those in which regular training and recovery strategies were used) while also reporting detailed match demands. A lack of research focusing on youth players was also evident, as only 3 studies profiled post-match responses in younger athletes. Deeper insight regarding post-match responses in ecologically valid scenarios is therefore required.

The Use of Upper-Body Intermittent Sequential Pneumatic Compression Arm Sleeves on Recovery From Exercise in Wheelchair Athletes.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of an upper-body intermittent sequential pneumatic compression device on recovery after wheelchair team sport activity. Eleven well-trained wheelchair basketball and rugby athletes (male, 8; female, 3; mean ± SD age = 33 ± 10 yrs) performed a series of performance measures pre-exercise, postexercise, and postrecovery (grip strength, pressure-to-pain threshold, medicine ball throw, wheelchair sprints, repeated sprints). Subjective muscle soreness and fatigue measurements were taken at the same time points as performance tests, with an additional 24-hr postrecovery measure. Participants completed two recovery trials, separated by 1 wk, of either passive recovery (control) or 20 mins of wearing recovery arm sleeves (intermittent sequential pneumatic compression) applied to both arms. No statistically significant differences were found between trials for any of the performance or perceptual measures (P > 0.05). However, effect size analysis revealed a moderate decrease (d = -0.67) from postexercise to postrecovery for muscle fatigue in favor of intermittent sequential pneumatic compression. A large decrease (d = -0.96) in muscle soreness was also found after exercise to 24 hrs after recovery in favor of intermittent sequential pneumatic compression over control. Intermittent sequential pneumatic compression may provide some benefit for perceptual recovery measures immediately after and 24 hrs after a high-intensity wheelchair activity with negligible effects on performance recovery.

Skin Temperature, Training Load, and Subjective Muscle Soreness in Junior Endurance Athletes: A Case Study.

The application of infrared thermography to assess the effects of athletic training is increasing. It is not known if changes in skin temperature (Tsk) as assessed by infrared thermography are affected by the training load or the muscle soreness experienced by the athlete. To describe the variations in Tsk in body areas affected by running training and examine any relationships with subjective ratings of muscle soreness. The secondary aim was to assess the feasibility of using infrared thermography for assessing training load in 2 junior male middle-distance athletes. Data were collected over a 42-d observational period with Tsk of the quadriceps, knees, shins, lateral hamstrings, biceps femoris, and Achilles tendons, and the subjective ratings of muscle soreness were taken each morning prior to any training. All training load was quantified through heart rate, running speed, and distance covered. Changes in Tsk outside the typical error were identified. Relationships between Tsk and subjective ratings of muscle soreness were also examined. Over the 42-d observational period, mean Tsk of the regions of interest was reported outside the typical error on day 31 and day 22 for athletes 1 and 2, respectively. These changes in Tsk did not follow trends similar to those of to training loadings. No significant relationships were observed between Tsk of any regions of interest and muscle soreness. Although Tsk changed outside the typical error throughout the 42-d observational period, these changes were not reflective of training load quantified through cardiovascular strain or subjective ratings of musclesoreness.

The Effects of Cold Water Immersion on the Recovery of Drop Jump Performance and Mechanics: A Pilot Study in Under-20 Soccer Players.

Cold water immersion (CWI) is a popular method used for enhancing recovery from exercise. However, the efficacy of this approach is inconclusive and studies investigating variables contributing to overall performance are scarce. Additionally, few studies have investigated the recovery of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) performance after a fatiguing SSC task. The SSC occurs naturally in human locomotion and induces a recovery pattern different from isolated muscle contractions (e.g., pure eccentric exercise). Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single CWI on jumping performance and mechanics after exhaustive SSC exercise. On a sledge apparatus, 10 male under-20 soccer players (age 18–20 years) performed five sets of 20 maximal drop jumps (DJ) followed by continuous submaximal rebounding. Subjects were equally randomized into a passive recovery control (CON) or CWI group (10 ± 0.5°C for 20 min). Prior to, upon completion of, and at 24 and 48 h follow-ups, subjects performed maximal DJs recorded with a high-speed video camera. Blood samples were taken and subjective muscle soreness was measured. Rebound jump height was impaired immediately after exercise, although significant only for CWI (CON: −12.4 cm, p = 0.083; CWI: −9.9 cm, p = 0.009). The CWI group demonstrated significant recovery of jump height at 24 h (+6.3 cm, p = 0.031) and 48 h (+8.9 cm, p = 0.002) compared to post-exercise. Ankle joint stiffness was decreased for CWI (−2.1 to −2.5 Nm/°, p = 0.005–0.041). Creatine kinase activity was similarly increased for both groups at 24 and 48 h, while there was also no group effect in muscle soreness (p ≥ 0.056). This pilot study demonstrates the potential for CWI to slightly enhance the recovery of DJ performance. However, this occurred in parallel with reduced ankle joint stiffness, signifying that jumps were performed with less efficiency, which would not be favorable for repeated SSC actions. While this should be confirmed with a larger sample size, this highlights the potential for CWI to be detrimental to the mechanical properties of the ankle joint. Therefore, future recovery intervention studies should concomitantly investigate variables contributing to performance, rather than just overall performance itself.

The Relationship Between Adductor Squeeze Strength, Subjective Markers of Recovery and Training Load in Elite Rugby Players.

Tiernan, C, Lyons, M, Comyns, T, Nevill, AM, and Warrington, G. The relationship between adductor squeeze strength, subjective markers of recovery and training load in elite Rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2926-2931, 2019-The adductor squeeze strength test has become a popular training monitoring marker, particularly in team sports. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between adductor squeeze strength scores, subjective markers of recovery and training load in elite Rugby Union players, because of limited research in this area. Nineteen elite male Rugby Union players completed daily monitoring markers (adductor squeeze strength and 5 selected subjective markers of recovery), over a 10-week preseason training period. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected to determine training load (session RPE; RPE × session duration) and to calculate weekly training load. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the relationship between adductor squeeze strength scores, subjective markers of recovery, and weekly training load. The results found that where adductor squeeze scores decreased, both perceived fatigue levels (r = -0.335; R = 11.2%; p < 0.001) and muscle soreness (r = -0.277; R = 7.7%; p < 0.001) increased. A weak correlation was found between Monday adductor squeeze strength scores and the previous week's training load (r = -0.235; R = 5.5%; p < 0.001) and Friday adductor squeeze strength scores and the same week's training load (r = -0.211; R = 4.5%; p < 0.05). These results show that adductor squeeze strength may provide coaches with a time-efficient, low-cost objective, player monitoring marker. Additionally, the combination of adductor strength squeeze, with subjective markers, perceived fatigue, and muscle soreness, and appropriately planned training load may help coaches to optimize training adaptations by determining a player's training status.

Tart Cherry Juice: No Effect on Muscle Function Loss or Muscle Soreness in Professional Soccer Players After a Match.

To investigate the effects of tart cherry juice (TCJ) on recovery from a soccer match in professional players. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 10 male professional soccer players from the reserve team of an English Premier League Club (age 19 [1]y, height 1.8 [0.6]m, body mass 77.3 [6.4]kg) consumed 2 × 30-mL servings of TCJ or an isocaloric cherry-flavored control drink (CON) before and after a 90-minute match and 12 and 36hours after the match. Muscle function (countermovement jump height and reactive strength index), subjective well-being, and subjective muscle soreness were measured before and 12, 36, and 60hours after each match. Countermovement jump height was similarly reduced in the days after the match after TCJ and CON supplementation, with the greatest loss occurring at 12-hour postmatch (-5.9% [3.1%] vs -5.4% [2.9%], of baseline values, respectively; P = .966; ηp2=.010). Decrements in reactive strength index were also greatest at 12-hour postmatch (TCJ -9.4% [8.4%] vs CON -13.9% [4.8%], of baseline values), but no group differences were observed at any time point (P = .097; ηp2=.205). Muscle soreness increased 12- to 60-hour postmatch in both groups, peaking at 12-hour postmatch (TCJ 122 [27]mm vs CON 119 [22]mm), but no group differences were observed (P = .808; ηp2=.024). No interaction effects were observed for subjective well-being (P = .874; ηp2=.025). TCJ did not hasten recovery after a soccer match in professional players. These findings bring into question the use of TCJ as a recovery aid in professional soccer players.

Cherry Gel Supplementation Does Not Attenuate Subjective Muscle Soreness or Alter Wellbeing Following a Match in a Team of Professional Rugby Union players: A Pilot Study.

This study examined the effects of sour tart cherry juice (TC) on muscle soreness (MS) and wellbeing following a rugby union match in professional players. In a crossover design, 10 players from a senior squad in the top tier of England consumed either 2 × 30 mL servings of TC or an isocaloric cherry-flavoured control gel (CON) two days before, the day of, and two days following an 80 min match. Subjective wellbeing and MS were measured before the match (Pre), and for three days following the match (M+1, M+2, and M+3, respectively). MS was elevated from Pre at M+1 (CON, 111 ± 37 mm vs. TC 94 ± 41 mm) and M+2 (CON, 81 ± 35 mm vs. TC 72 ± 36 mm) (time effect; p = 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.821) but there were no differences between TC and CON at either time point post-exercise (p = 0.807; ηp2 = 0.035). Wellness scores were ~15% lower at M+1 (p = 0.023; ηp2 = 0.638) but there were no differences between the two conditions at any time point (p = 0.647; ηp2 = 0.160). In conclusion, tart cherry juice did not attenuate soreness or alter wellbeing in a team of professional rugby union players following a competitive match.

Subjective and Objective Responses to Two Rugby Sevens World Series Competitions.

Fowler, PM, Murray, A, Farooq, A, Lumley, N, and Taylor, L. Subjective and objective responses to two rugby sevens world series competitions. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1043-1055, 2019-The purpose was to examine the utility of subjective and objective measures of player preparedness, interpreted at both group level and individual level, during 2 consecutive competitions of the World Rugby Sevens Series (WRSS). Subjective (sleep, energy, and muscle soreness ratings) and objective (heart rate [HR] at rest [HRREST] and in response to submaximal exercise [HREX]) measures were obtained from 16 male rugby 7s players from 1 team for 3 consecutive days (D1-3) at home (HOME) and on arrival at 4 tournament (T1-4) locations (T1-New Zealand; T2-USA; T3-Hong Kong; and T4-Tokyo) across 2 WRSS competitions (2 tournaments per competition) separated by 1 month. At a group level, energy ratings were significantly lower in T2 and T4 compared with HOME, and on D1 T2 compared with D1 T1 (p ≤ 0.05). Greatest variability in subjective ratings was observed during T1 and T3 at an individual level, particularly for sleep quality. Although at a group level HRREST and HREX significantly decreased in T1-4 compared with HOME (p ≤ 0.05), there was only a ∼50% agreement between the direction of change in HR indices at an individual level. Results from this study suggest that relocation between tournaments within WRSS competitions disrupts player preparedness measures to the largest degree. Hence, this period could be targeted by practitioners with appropriate recovery and/or sleep-promoting interventions or modulation of match-/training-load. Moreover, subjective rather than objective measures seem to be of greater use to inform player preparedness decision making, particularly at an individual level compared with a group level.

Pre-Bed Casein Protein Supplementation Does Not Enhance Acute Functional Recovery in Physically Active Males and Females When Exercise is Performed in the Morning.

This study examined whether consuming casein protein (CP) pre-sleep could accelerate acute recovery following muscle-damaging exercise. Thirty-nine active males and females performed 100 drop jumps in the morning, consumed their habitual diet during the day, and then within 30 min pre-bed consumed either ~40 g of CP (n = 19) or ~40 g of a carbohydrate-only control (CON) (n = 20). Maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVC), countermovement jumps (CMJ), pressure-pain threshold (PPT), subjective muscle soreness and the brief assessment of mood adapted (BAM+) were measured pre, 24 and 48 h following the drop jumps. MIVC decreased in CP and CON post-exercise, peaking at 24 h post (CP: −8.5 ± 3.5 vs. CON: −13.0 ± 2.9%, respectively); however, no between-group differences were observed (p = 0.486; ηp2 =0.02). There were also no group differences in the recovery of CMJ height, PPT and BAM+ (p > 0.05). Subjective muscle soreness increased post-exercise, but no group differences were present at 24 h (CP: 92 ± 31 mm vs. CON: 90 ± 46 mm) or 48 h (CP: 90 ± 44 mm vs. CON: 80 ± 58 mm) (p > 0.05). These data suggest that pre-bed supplementation with ~40 g of CP is no more beneficial than CON for accelerating the recovery following muscle-damaging exercise.

Acute Effect of Oral N-Acetylcysteine on Muscle Soreness and Exercise Performance in Semi-Elite Rugby Players

ABSTRACTN-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation may enhance performance and reduce soreness from acute, repeated-sprint, high-intensity exercise. Our aim was to investigate whether semi-elite rugby union athletes may benefit. In a randomized block design, 17 semi-elite male rugby players were assigned to receive either 1 g oral NAC (n = 8) or placebo (n = 9) for six days. The mean percentage effect of NAC on exercise performance was assessed through completion of a broken bronco exercise test on days 5 and 6 of supplementation. Players self-reported muscle soreness and tolerability to supplements using a modified Muscle Pain and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire throughout the supplement duration. NAC produced a likely beneficial performance effect on maximum shuttle sprint time (2.4%; 90% confidence limit ± 4.8%) but was unclear on total time during back-to-back broken bronco tests compared to placebo. NAC had a likely protective effect on subjective muscle soreness during days 1–4 of supplementation (−19% ± 27%) but a very likely harmful effect on days 5 and 6 of supplementation (71% ± 59%). Daily supplementation with 1 g of oral NAC for six days produced no adverse side effects, reduced muscle soreness after one bout of damaging exercise, but increased soreness following the second bout. The performance effects were generally unclear apart from maximal sprint time.

Ibuprofen Ingestion Does Not Affect Markers of Post-exercise Muscle Inflammation.

Purpose: We investigated if oral ingestion of ibuprofen influenced leucocyte recruitment and infiltration following an acute bout of traditional resistance exerciseMethods: Sixteen male subjects were divided into two groups that received the maximum over-the-counter dose of ibuprofen (1200mg d−1) or a similarly administered placebo following lower body resistance exercise. Muscle biopsies were taken from m.vastus lateralis and blood serum samples were obtained before and immediately after exercise, and at 3 and 24 h after exercise. Muscle cross-sections were stained with antibodies against neutrophils (CD66b and MPO) and macrophages (CD68). Muscle damage was assessed via creatine kinase and myoglobin in blood serum samples, and muscle soreness was rated on a ten-point pain scale.Results: The resistance exercise protocol stimulated a significant increase in the number of CD66b+ and MPO+ cells when measured 3 h post exercise. Serum creatine kinase, myoglobin and subjective muscle soreness all increased post-exercise. Muscle leucocyte infiltration, creatine kinase, myoglobin and subjective muscle soreness were unaffected by ibuprofen treatment when compared to placebo. There was also no association between increases in inflammatory leucocytes and any other marker of cellular muscle damage.Conclusion: Ibuprofen administration had no effect on the accumulation of neutrophils, markers of muscle damage or muscle soreness during the first 24 h of post-exercise muscle recovery.

Effects of Fish Oil Supplementation on Post-Resistance Exercise Muscle Soreness in Untrained Females

The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil may help alleviate symptoms of delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) and improve recovery from exercise. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of fish oil supplementation on the time-course of post-resistance exercise muscle soreness in young untrained females. METHODS: Seventeen non-resistance trained females (age 23.6 ± 3.0 y, % fat 27.4 ± 3.2, weight 60.2 ± 9.6 kg) were randomized into one of two groups: fish oil (6 g/d; 5:1 EPA:DHA) or placebo (6 g/d corn/soy oil). After consuming the supplements for one week, participants underwent a single bout of resistance exercise designed to induce muscle damage. Subjects performed 10 sets to failure of biceps curl machine and leg extensions using 50% of the previously measured 1-repetition maximum. Over the next week, subjective muscle soreness of the upper and lower body was measured via a grounded 10-cm visual analog scale. At 48 hours and 1 week post-exercise, subjects performed a test to determine soreness during functional movements. The comparison-wise error rate was set at p < 0.10. RESULTS: Muscle soreness increased significantly in both groups and peaked at 48 hours post-exercise. The fish oil group perceived less muscle soreness in the lower body than the placebo group (p= 0.06), but there was no difference in the upper body (p= 0.27). The fish oil group reported less perceived soreness during functional movements (p= 0.07 for upper and lower body soreness). Effect sizes, indicating the reduction in muscle soreness that may be attributed to fish oil (Δ effect size between groups), was 0.75 (95% CI: -0.70 - 2.20) for the arms and 0.77 (-0.76 - 2.33) for the legs. The effect size for the functional tests was 0.63 (-0.71 - 1.97) for the arms and 0.57 (-0.85 - 1.99) for the legs. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementing the diet with 6 grams per day of fish oil may alleviate the muscle soreness experienced after resistance training in young untrained females, but additional studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to confirm these findings. This research was supported by Baylor University, and supplements were donated by The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX.

Whole-body cryotherapy: empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) involves short exposures to air temperatures below −100°C. WBC is increasingly accessible to athletes, and is purported to enhance recovery after exercise and facilitate rehabilitation postinjury. Our objective was to review the efficacy and effectiveness of WBC using empirical evidence from controlled trials. We found ten relevant reports; the majority were based on small numbers of active athletes aged less than 35 years. Although WBC produces a large temperature gradient for tissue cooling, the relatively poor thermal conductivity of air prevents significant subcutaneous and core body cooling. There is weak evidence from controlled studies that WBC enhances antioxidant capacity and parasympathetic reactivation, and alters inflammatory pathways relevant to sports recovery. A series of small randomized studies found WBC offers improvements in subjective recovery and muscle soreness following metabolic or mechanical overload, but little benefit towards functional recovery. There is evidence from one study only that WBC may assist rehabilitation for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. There were no adverse events associated with WBC; however, studies did not seem to undertake active surveillance of predefined adverse events. Until further research is available, athletes should remain cognizant that less expensive modes of cryotherapy, such as local ice-pack application or cold-water immersion, offer comparable physiological and clinical effects to WBC.

Recovery after Heavy Resistance Exercise and Skeletal Muscle Androgen Receptor and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Isoform Expression in Strength Trained Men

The effects of heavy resistance exercise on skeletal muscle androgen receptor (AR) protein concentration and mRNAs of AR, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF)-IEa, and mechano growth factor (MGF) expression were examined from biopsies of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle before and 48 hours after heavy resistance exercise (5 × 10 repetition maximum [RM] leg press and 4 × 10RM squats) in 8 adult strength trained men. The present exercise induced an acute decrease in maximal isometric force and increased serum total testosterone (T) and free testosterone (FT) concentrations. During 2 recovery days, maximal isometric force and subjective perception of physical fitness remained significantly lowered, whereas serum creatine kinase activity, subjective muscle soreness, and muscle swelling (i.e., thickness of VL by ultrasound) were significantly increased compared to pre-exercise values. Subjective perception of physical fitness was followed up to 7 days, and by 6 days postexercise, it was elevated above the pre-exercise level. Basal T and FT concentrations remained unaltered after the exercise. No statistically significant changes were observed in AR protein or mRNA expression, but IGF-IEa (p < 0.05) and MGF (p < 0.05) mRNA expression were increased compared to pre-exercise levels. These findings indicate that IGF-IEa and MGF responses may be related to acute regenerative processes in muscle because of exercise and may contribute to muscular adaptation to resistance exercise. Subjective perception of physical fitness suggests that recovery over a pre-exercise level of the present type of heavy resistance exercise can take approximately 6 days.