Mechanisms and Treatment of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Athletes - A Review

Objective: The purpose of this study is to review mechanisms for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and the pharmacological treatment options with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Method: Our review of published research literature was based on an appropriate number of subjects included in the study with a statistical power of .80 or higher and an effect size of .30 or higher. In the case of review articles, two cited references from each article where significant data were used to establish the conclusion were examined for type II error using the criteria mentioned above. Our review also includes inflammation, tissue damage, and the treatment of DOMS with both selective and non-selective NSAIDs. Results: Frequently cited mechanisms of DOMS are "mechanical strain" and "metabolic overload" within the muscle structure. The inflammation associated with DOMS is caused by eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and/or block cyclooxygenase and there by reduce the pain and swelling associated with inflammation. There are both selective and non-selective NSAIDs, the former being the COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., celecoxib) and the later (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin). Conclusion: For the treatment of DOMS, naproxen taken at anti­inflammation levels for at least 3 days shows the most consistent results for improving the recovery rate of affected muscle