SIXTEEN WEEKS….

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, also known by the acronym D.O.M.S., describes muscular pain and tenderness that characteristically arises twenty-four to forty-eight hours after exercise. Although DOMS is “likely a symptom of eccentric-exercise induced muscle damage, it does not necessarily denote muscle damage.” (Zainuddin, 2005) “Eccentric exercise is exercise where movement tends to increase the length of the muscle, while the muscle is under tension.” Examples would include; running downhill or the lengthening part of a bicep curl. (Sharp, 2007)

When we participate in vigorous physical activity, especially something new, it is customary to experience muscle soreness and discomfort. This soreness may range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.

The causes of  DOM’s are still debatable –even today; however “most researchers agree that “Static and concentric muscle actions caused little or no delayed soreness compared to the extreme soreness felt with eccentric resistance training.” (Connoly, 2003)

Lactic Acid

The accumulation of lactic acid was once thought to be a major cause of DOM’s. It is now however, not the case. Lactate levels return to baseline within on hour post exercise even after intense exercise.” (Sport Fitness Tips, 2007) (Schirber, 2004)

Muscle Tissue Breakdown may also result in DOMS. “Muscle biopsies taken from marathon runners after competition or training, have highlighted considerable cell damage in these athletes’ muscles.” (Sport Fitness Tips, 2007)

Inflammatory Response

Extreme exercise that results in DOM’s can trigger the immune response. The White Blood Cell count (WBC) increases following vigorous exercise. This led to the hypothesis that, DOMS; may be caused by an inflammatory response in the muscles. (Sport Fitness Tips, 2007)<em />

Treatment – in my quest for understanding of DOM’s varies,  in what I have read across the board. A sensible and consistent treatment for DOM’s has not yet been established. Multiple treatment modalities practices do however exist but few have scientific support. The suggested treatments are to numerous to mention; but have included; pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies, stretching, massage, nutritional supplements, and many more (Connoly, 2003)

Works Cited

Connoly, D. A. “Treatment and Prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.” Journal of Strength Conditioning  Research 17 (2003):  197-208. 01 Aug. 2007 <http://www.hawaii.edu>. 

Schirber, M. “Feel the Pain? Don’t Blame Lactic Acid. Oct. 2003   Live Science <http://www.livescience.com/health/041020_Lactic_Acid.html>

Sharp, PHD, Rick. “Sore Muscles? Don’t Stop Exercising.” WebMD. Brigham Young University. 01 July 2007 <http://www.webmd.com>.  

“Sport Fitness Tips.” Sport Fitness Advisor. 01 Aug. 2007 <http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/delayed-onset-muscle-soreness.html>. 

Zainuddin, Zainal. “The Effects of Massage on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Swelling and Recovery.” Journal of Athletic Training 40 (2005):  174-180. 01 Aug. 2007 <www.journalofathletictraining.org>. 

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