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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of electromyostimulation and strength training on muscle soreness, muscle damage and sympathetic activation.

Electromyostimulation (EMS) is known to develop muscular strength and hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to compare EMS exercise-induced damage with concentric (CONC) exercise-induced damage. Twelve male athletes were randomly assigned to concentric exercise (five sets of 6 voluntary contractions) or to EMS (30 contractions of 6 s duration, 20 s rest between contractions) on day 0 (D0). The load was 80% of the maximal isometric force. Criterion measures of plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and subjective ratings of muscle soreness and urinary catecholamines, were assessed 1 day before and for 3 days after exercise. Among the members of the EMS group, there were significant increases in catecholamine urinary excretion, especially adrenaline (on days D+2 and D+3), plasma CK activity (on day D+2) and plasma LDH activity (on days D+1 and D+2). The changes among the members of the CONC group were smaller and no significant difference was noted. Muscular soreness was greatest in the EMS group, with the peak occurring on day D+2. Comparisons of enzyme release, muscular soreness and urinary catecholamines suggest that EMS induces myofibre membrane damage and a significant increase in sympathetic nervous activity.

Adult↗

[Behavior of serum creatine kinase in muscle soreness].

Muscle soreness in arms and thighs was induced on eight test persons by standardized dynamic work. The course of muscle soreness was controlled daily on the basis of the following parameters: intensity of muscle pain, isometric maximum strength, and creatine kinase concentration in the serum. The mean reaction of muscle pain, isometric maximum strength, and creatine kinase correlated closely with each other, whereby the creatine kinase showed a phase lag of 1-2 days. The maximum rise of the creatine kinase reached in particular cases a multiple of the rates characteristic for physical training without subsequent muscle soreness.

Adolescent↗

The effects of therapeutic massage on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle function following downhill walking.

This study Investigated the effects of a therapeutic massage on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle function following downhill walking. Eight male subjects performed a 40-min downhill treadmill walk loaded with 10% of their body mass. A qualified masseur performed a 30-min therapeutic massage to one limb 2 hours post-walk. Muscle soreness, tenderness, isometric strength, isokinetic strength, and single leg vertical jump height were measured on two occasions before, and 1, 24, 72 and 120 hours post-walk for both limbs. Subjects showed significant (p < 0.004) increases in soreness and tenderness for the non-massaged limb 24 hours post-walk with a significant (p < 0.001) difference between the two limbs. A significant reduction In isometric strength was recorded for both limbs compared to baseline 1 hour post-walk. Isokinetic strength at 60 degrees/sec and vertical jump height were significantly lower for the massaged limb at 1 and 24 hours post-walk. No significant differences were evident in the remaining testing variables. These results suggest that therapeutic massage may attenuate soreness and tenderness associated with delayed onset muscle soreness. However it may not be beneficial in the treatment of strength and functional declines.

Adult↗

A randomized controlled trial of the effect of naproxen on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle strength.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of naproxen in attenuating the symptoms (muscle soreness level) and signs (plasma creatine kinase [CK] activity and muscular strength decrement) of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) induced by repeated bouts of eccentric exercise. DESIGN: The design was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with two testing phases of 8 days' duration that were separated by a "washout" period of 7 days. SETTING: University-based sports science center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty healthy male volunteers who responded to a notice in the university's athletic complex. INTERVENTIONS: Eccentric single-leg exercises were performed on days 1, 3, and 4 to induce DOMS in the quadriceps muscles. Naproxen or placebo tablets (500 mg) were taken orally twice per day beginning on day 2 and continuing until the end of the testing phase. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perception of muscle soreness and knee extensor torque were evaluated daily throughout each phase. Plasma CK levels were evaluated on days 1, 3, 6, and 8 of each phase. RESULTS: After the eccentric exercise, plasma CK levels were similarly elevated in both naproxen and placebo conditions (F=1.42; p=0.25). After DOMS developed, naproxen reduced the perception of soreness on day 3, when muscle soreness was highest (F=2.20; p=0.04). After treatments with naproxen, peak quadriceps torque during leg extension at 60 degrees/s was higher than that after treatment with the placebo (F=4.77; p=0.04). There were no significant differences between the naproxen and placebo conditions for leg extension at 180 degrees/s (F= 1.66; p=0.21) and 300 degrees/s (F=0.71; p=0.41). CONCLUSION: The data indicate that therapeutic doses of naproxen do not prevent CK release into the plasma but decrease the perception of muscle soreness and positively influence quadriceps peak torque.

Adult↗

Dexamethasone iontophoresis: effect on delayed muscle soreness and muscle function.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pain alleviating effect of dexamethasone iontophoresis on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) produced via an eccentric exercise bout, and to determine the effect on muscle function. Baseline data were collected on 18 female subjects for maximum isometric knee extension contraction (MVC), knee extension peak torque (PT), knee extension work (W), and muscle soreness perception (SP). All values were subsequently reassessed 24 and 48 hours after a 10-min bout of bench stepping. Immediately following the 24-hr reassessment, the experimental (E) (N = 6) and placebo (P) (N = 6) groups received iontophoresis treatment while the control (C) group (N = 6) received no treatment. Percent deviation from baseline of SP was significantly less at 48 hours (p less than 0.05) for the E group compared to P and C groups. However, MCV, PT, and W were no different between the three groups at 48 hours post muscle soreness bout.

Adult↗

[Delayed post effort muscle soreness].

Muscle intolerance to exercise may result from different processes. Diagnosis involves confirming first the source of pain, then potential pathological myalgia. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), commonly referred as tiredness, occurs frequently in sport. DOMS usually develops 12-48 h after intensive and/or unusual eccentric muscle action. Symptoms usually involve the quadriceps muscle group but may also affect the hamstring and triceps surae groups. The muscles are sensitive to palpation, contraction and passive stretch. Acidosis, muscle spasm and microlesions in both connective and muscle tissues may explain the symptoms. However, inflammation appears to be the most common explanation. Interestingly, there is strong evidence that the progression of the exercise-induced muscle injury proceeds no further in the absence of inflammation. Even though unpleasant, DOMS should not be considered as an indicator of muscle damage but, rather, a sign of the regenerative process, which is well known to contribute to the increased muscle mass. DOMS can be associated with decreased proprioception and range of motion, as well as maximal force and activation. DOMS disappears 2-10 days before complete functional recovery. This painless period is ripe for additional joint injuries. Similarly, if some treatments are well known to attenuate DOMS, none has been demonstrated to accelerate either structural or functional recovery. In terms of the role of the inflammatory process, these treatments might even delay overall recovery.

Exercise↗

Morphologic and mechanical basis of delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Muscle pain after unaccustomed exercise is believed to result from repetitive active lengthening of skeletal muscle. This "eccentric exercise" initiates a sequence of events that includes muscle cytoskeletal breakdown, inflammation, and remodeling such that subsequent exercise sessions result in less injury and soreness. Recent studies of eccentric exercise using well-defined animal models have identified the mechanical and cellular events associated with the injury-repair process. In addition, neurophysiologic studies have elucidated mechanisms of pain that operate in skeletal muscle. Taken together, these studies improve our understanding of the muscle injury process and will lead to rational therapeutic interventions to facilitate recovery.

Animals↗

Dynamic shoulder dynamometry: a way to develop delay onset muscle soreness in shoulder muscles.

A dynamic shoulder dynamometer has been designed to develop a vertical downward force over a measured range of motion, i.e. scapular elevation. The dynamometer is force-controlled to apply a required force within the range of motion. Calibration procedures were performed to assess the reliability of the force and displacement measurements. The system is designed to operate in isometric or eccentric conditions. For eccentric exercise the dynamometer has, for the first time, provided possibilities to elicit delay onset muscle soreness in shoulder muscles. In future, the apparatus will enable investigations of sensory-motor interactions in the shoulder region.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Delayed onset muscle soreness in neck/shoulder muscles.

The aim of the present study is to: (1) induce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the neck and shoulder muscles; (2) compare the pressure pain sensitivity of muscle belly with that of musculotendinous tissue after DOMS; (3) examine the gender differences in the development of DOMS. An eccentric shoulder exercise was developed to induce DOMS on neck/shoulder muscles using a specially designed dynamometer. Eccentric shoulder contraction consisted of 5 bouts, each bout lasted 3min, with 3min rest period between each bout. The right shoulder was elevating against a downward pressure force of 110% maximal voluntary contraction force exerted by the dynamometer. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) of 11 sites (seven sites measured were muscle belly and four sites were myotendinous area) on neck/shoulder region were measured before, immediately after, 24 and 48h after exercise. Pain intensity, pain area and index of McGill pain questionnaire were assessed and all were increased after exercise. DOMS was induced in the shoulder muscles. PPT was significantly decreased and reached lowest values at 24h. The muscle belly sites are more sensitive to pain than the musculotendinous sites. No gender differences were found in any of the parameters used to assess the development of DOMS. DOMS did not distribute evenly in the neck/shoulder region. Soreness after exercise in the neck and shoulder seems not to be among the conditions that produce predominant musculoskeletal pain in females.

Adult↗

Ascorbic acid supplementation does not attenuate post-exercise muscle soreness following muscle-damaging exercise but may delay the recovery process.

Exercise involving lengthening muscle actions, such as downhill running, results in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which may be attributable to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although exercise causes oxidative stress, any link between ROS and DOMS remains speculative. There is emerging evidence to suggest that ROS play an important physiological role, assisting in the recovery process and protecting the cell from future damage; however, this has not been fully established. Despite this uncertainty as to the precise role of ROS, attempts to prevent post-exercise ROS production through antioxidant intervention are still common. The study investigated the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on ROS production and DOMS following downhill running. Subjects were assigned to two groups. The ascorbic acid group (group AA) received 1 g ascorbic acid 2 h pre-, and for 14 d post-downhill running, whilst the placebo group (Pl group) received a placebo. Blood samples were drawn pre-supplement, pre- and post-exercise, and then 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 14 d post-exercise for analysis of ascorbate, malonaldehyde and total glutathione. DOMS was assessed using a visual analogue scale and pressure algometry. Muscle function was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry. Plasma ascorbate was elevated throughout in group AA compared with the Pl group. Downhill running resulted in DOMS in both groups. Muscle function was impaired post-exercise in both groups, although a delayed recovery was noted in group AA. Malonaldehyde increased 4 d post-exercise in the Pl group only. Ascorbic acid supplementation attenuates ROS production following downhill running, without affecting DOMS. Furthermore, ascorbic acid supplementation may inhibit the recovery of muscle function.

Adult↗

Effects of ibuprofen on exercise-induced muscle soreness and indices of muscle damage.

Thirty-two volunteers participated in a two-period crossover study in which ibuprofen was tested against an identical placebo for its effectiveness in reducing muscle soreness and damage after two bouts of downhill running. Subjective soreness, quadriceps isometric strength and isometric endurance time at 50 percent of maximum strength, serum activities of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate transaminase and serum levels of creatinine and urea were recorded at intervals up to 72 hours after exercise. Each downhill run produced muscle soreness, and a decline in muscle strength and 50 percent endurance time, although these parameters were unaffected by ibuprofen treatment. All serum parameters measured increased after both runs, but for the three enzymes this increase was smaller after the second run. Serum creatine kinase and urea levels were higher in the ibuprofen group after both runs. These results indicate that ibuprofen is not an appropriate treatment for delayed onset muscle soreness and damage.

Adolescent↗

Effects of massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness, swelling, and recovery of muscle function.

CONTEXT: Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) describes muscle pain and tenderness that typically develop several hours postexercise and consist of predominantly eccentric muscle actions, especially if the exercise is unfamiliar. Although DOMS is likely a symptom of eccentric-exercise-induced muscle damage, it does not necessarily reflect muscle damage. Some prophylactic or therapeutic modalities may be effective only for alleviating DOMS, whereas others may enhance recovery of muscle function without affecting DOMS. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that massage applied after eccentric exercise would effectively alleviate DOMS without affecting muscle function. DESIGN: We used an arm-to-arm comparison model with 2 independent variables (control and massage) and 6 dependent variables (maximal isometric and isokinetic voluntary strength, range of motion, upper arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase activity, and muscle soreness). A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired t tests were used to examine differences in changes of the dependent variable over time (before, immediately and 30 minutes after exercise, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days postexercise) between control and massage conditions. SETTING: University laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Ten healthy subjects (5 men and 5 women) with no history of upper arm injury and no experience in resistance training. INTERVENTION(S): Subjects performed 10 sets of 6 maximal isokinetic (90 degrees x s(-1)) eccentric actions of the elbow flexors with each arm on a dynamometer, separated by 2 weeks. One arm received 10 minutes of massage 3 hours after eccentric exercise; the contralateral arm received no treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic elbow flexor strength, range of motion, upper arm circumference, plasma creatine kinase activity, and muscle soreness. RESULTS: Delayed-onset muscle soreness was significantly less for the massage condition for peak soreness in extending the elbow joint and palpating the brachioradialis muscle (P < .05). Soreness while flexing the elbow joint (P = .07) and palpating the brachialis muscle (P = .06) was also less with massage. Massage treatment had significant effects on plasma creatine kinase activity, with a significantly lower peak value at 4 days postexercise (P < .05), and upper arm circumference, with a significantly smaller increase than the control at 3 and 4 days postexercise (P < .05). However, no significant effects of massage on recovery of muscle strength and ROM were evident. CONCLUSIONS: Massage was effective in alleviating DOMS by approximately 30% and reducing swelling, but it had no effects on muscle function.

Journal Article↗

An electromyographic study of elbow motion during postexercise muscle soreness.

Postexercise muscle soreness was induced in the elbow flexors of human volunteer subjects through the use of a regimen of eccentric contractions. Physical examination before and 48 h after the exercise included measurements of range of elbow motion at the elbow and of arm diameter. Electromyographic (EMG) observations, utilizing fine wire electrodes introduced into each of the elbow flexors, were carried out before and 48 h after the exercise. These observations included resting EMG levels, EMG activity under various isometric loads, and activity during active and passive extensions. The soreness induced was accompanied by a reduction in resting elbow angle while the subjects stood with arms relaxed at their sides, decreased range of both flexion and extension of the elbow, and swelling of the arm. EMG measurements showed no increase in EMG activity as the sore arms were extended passively at the elbow, indicating that the extra resistance to extension associated with the soreness was not a result of stretch receptor-induced activity in the flexors. The results rule out the possibility that neuromuscular activity is responsible for the restriction of motion and are consistent with the idea that edematous changes within the perimuscular connective tissue alter the elastic behavior of the muscles and cause restriction of motion.

Adult↗

The isolated and combined effects of selected physical activity and ibuprofen on delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness refers to the skeletal muscle pain that is experienced following eccentric exercise. The aim of the present study was to examine the physiological effects of physical activity with or without ibuprofen on delayed onset muscle soreness. Forty-four non-athletic male volunteers (age 24.3 +/- 2.4 years) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: physical activity (n = 11), ibuprofen (n = 11), physical activity and ibuprofen (combination, n = 11), or control (n = 11). The physical activity programme comprised 5 min of walking and jogging, 10 min of static stretching of the hands and shoulder girdle, and 5 min of concentric movements with sub-maximal contractions. The total amount of ibuprofen consumed by a single individual was 2800 mg; this was taken from 1 h before the eccentric actions up to 48 h after it. Delayed onset muscle soreness was induced by performing 70 eccentric contractions of the biceps muscle of the non-dominant side on a modified arm curl machine. Perceived muscle soreness, maximal eccentric contraction, creatine kinase enzyme activity and elbow range of motion were assessed 1 h before and 1, 24 and 48 h after the eccentric actions. The results indicated that, after the eccentric actions, soreness increased (P < 0.001) across time in all groups, with the highest values being recorded at 24 h. At 24 and 48 h, greater soreness (P < 0.001) was observed in the control group than in the physical activity and combination groups. After the eccentric actions, creatine kinase increased and was elevated (P < 0.001) compared with baseline in all groups, with values returning to baseline in the physical activity and combination groups by 48 h. However, creatine kinase in the control and ibuprofen groups was still significantly higher than at baseline after 48 h. Creatine kinase was higher (P < 0.001) in the control group than in physical activity and combination groups at 24 and 48 h. There was also a reduction (P < 0.001) in elbow range of motion across time. This reduction in elbow range of motion was greater (P < 0.001) in the control and ibuprofen groups than in the physical activity and combination groups at 1, 24 and 48 h. The reduction in maximum eccentric contraction was greater (P < 0.001) in the control and ibuprofen groups than in the physical activity group at 24 and 48 h and the combination group at 48 h. In conclusion, the results add to our understanding of the effects of physical activity and the combination of physical activity and ibuprofen in reducing the severity of muscle soreness induced by eccentric exercise. Physical activity conducted before eccentric exercise alleviates muscle soreness. Our results indicate that physical activity with or without ibuprofen helps to prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Adult↗

Delayed muscle soreness. The inflammatory response to muscle injury and its clinical implications.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a sensation of discomfort that occurs 1 to 2 days after exercise. The soreness has been reported to be most evident at the muscle/tendon junction initially, and then spreading throughout the muscle. The muscle activity which causes the most soreness and injury to the muscle is eccentric activity. The injury to the muscle has been well described but the mechanism underlying the injury is not fully understood. Some recent studies have focused on the role of the cytoskeleton and its contribution to the sarcomere injury. Although little has been confirmed regarding the mechanisms involved in the production of delayed muscle soreness, it has been suggested that the soreness may occur as a result of mechanical factors or it may be biochemical in nature. To date, there appears to be no relationship between the development of soreness and the loss of muscle strength, in that the timing of the two events is different. Loss of muscle force has been observed immediately after the exercise. However, by collecting data at more frequent intervals a second loss of force has been reported in mice 1 to 3 days post-exercise. Future studies with humans may find this second loss of force to be related to DOMS. The role of inflammation during exercise-induced muscle injury has not been clearly defined. It is possible that the inflammatory response may be responsible for initiating, amplifying, and/or resolving skeletal muscle injury. Evidence from the literature of the involvement of cytokines, complement, neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages in the acute phase response are presented in this review. Clinically, DOMS is a common but self-limiting condition that usually requires no treatment. Most exercise enthusiasts are familiar with its symptoms. However, where a muscle has been immobilised or debilitated, it is not known how that muscle will respond to exercise, especially eccentric activity.

Cytokines↗

The effects of three modalities on delayed onset muscle soreness.

Delayed onset muscle soreness is a common problem that can interfere with rehabilitation as well as activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to test the impact of therapeutic massage, upper body ergometry, or microcurrent electrical stimulation on muscle soreness and force deficits evident following a high-intensity eccentric exercise bout. Forty untrained, volunteer female subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups or to a control group. Exercise consisted of high-intensity eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors. Resistance was reduced as subjects fatigued, until they reached exhaustion. Soreness rating was determined using a visual analog scale. Force deficits were determined by measures of maximal voluntary isometric contraction at 90 degrees of elbow flexion and peak torque for elbow flexion at 60 degrees/sec on a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction and peak torque were determined at the 0 hour (before exercise) and again at 24 and 48 hours postexercise. Treatments were applied immediately following exercise and again at 24 hours after exercise. The control group subjects rested following their exercise bout. Statistical analysis showed significant increases in soreness rating and significant decreases in force generated when the 0 hour was compared with 24- and 48-hour measures. Further analysis indicated no statistically significant differences between massage, microcurrent electrical stimulation, upper body ergometry, and control groups.

Adolescent↗

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 degrees +/- 0.49 degrees 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.

Adult↗

Factors in delayed muscle soreness.

The possible causes of delayed muscle soreness which occur 24 to 48 hr after exercise were examined from three different approaches, each designed to test an existing hypothesis. Surface electromyograms were used to evaluate the muscle spasm theory; the possibility of actual muscle cell damage was monitored by the presence of myoglobinuria, while the ratio of hydroxyproline/creatinine (OHP/Cr) in 24 hr urine collection was used as a marker for connective tissue involvement. In the first study, although all volunteers developed muscle soreness 24 and 48 hr after exercise, no change in the EMG activity of the sore muscles was observed. Myoglobin excretion was found in 88% of the subjects who developed soreness. However, in a second study, 92% of the subject who performed both moderate and heavy exercise but did not develop muscle soreness had myoglobinuria. In contrast, during a third experiment subjects on gelatin-free diets showed an increase (P less than .1) in the OHP/Cr between control (.020+/-.001) and 48 hr post-exercise (.002+/-.001, X+/-SE). Soreness resulted in all cases. When the OHP/Cr value is taken for the day of maximal soreness, the post-exercise mean increases to .024+/-.001 and the level of significance rises (P less than .005). These observations support the concept that exercise induced soreness may be related to disruption of the connective tissue elements in the muscle and/or their attachments.

Adult↗