THE EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS COMPRESSION AS A THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION ON DELAYED ONSET MUSCLESORENESS FOLLOWING ECCENTRIC EXERCISE

It has been established that exercise-induced muscle damage occurs following exercise in individuals who are not accustomed to rigorous physical activity. The damage results in a dull aching pain, known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Other clinical signs associated with DOMS include a decreased range of motion, swelling, and strength loss; all of which can lead to an impaired ability to perform daily activities. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a continuous compression treatment protocol on the clinical signs and pain associated with DOMS. METHODS: Twenty male subjects, aged 18-35, were randomly assigned to a continuous compression treatment protocol (CC) or a no treatment protocol (N). The induction of DOMS was accomplished by having the subjects perform repetitive eccentric contractions of the quadriceps muscle group. Subjects completed three sets of knee extension repetitions. Immediately following the eccentric contractions, subjects in the (CC) group applied a compression garment over the involved thigh. The (CC) subjects wore the compression garment continuously during the 3-day recovery period. The subjects in the control group did not receive any treatment. All subjects reported at 24, 48, and 72-hour post exercise for measurement of the dependent variables of passive muscle soreness, active muscle pain, rating of perceived exertion associated with the active muscle, swelling, extension and flexion angles, and strength measures. RESULTS: The primary findings of this investigation were that continuous compression resulted in a significant difference in the overall perception of passive muscle soreness across time at 24 and 48-hours post exercise (F(3, 54) = 3.75, p < 0.05). In addition, regardless of treatment protocol, there were significant differences across time observed (p < 0.05) in active muscle pain, rating of perceived exertion associated with the active muscle, distal thigh circumference, supine knee flexion angle, and knee extension angle following the induction of DOMS. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that continuous compression is beneficial in reducing muscle soreness during the first 48-hours after unaccustomed eccentric exercise. By providing mechanical support to the tissues, a compression garment may decrease the detrimental effects associated with DOMS