The Effect of Prior Creatine Intake for 28 Days on Accelerated Recovery from Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Despite the known beneficial effects of creatine in treating exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), its effectiveness remains unclear. This study investigates the recovery effect of creatine monohydrate (CrM) on EIMD. Twenty healthy men (21-36 years) were subjected to stratified, randomized, double-blind assignments. The creatine (CRE) and placebo (PLA) groups ingested creatine and crystalline cellulose, respectively, for 28 days. They subsequently performed dumbbell exercises while emphasizing eccentric contraction of the elbow flexors. The EIMD was evaluated before and after exercise. The range of motion was significantly higher in the CRE group than in the PLA group 24 h (h) post exercise. A similar difference was detected in maximum voluntary contraction at 0, 48, 96, and 168 h post exercise (p = 0.017-0.047). The upper arm circumference was significantly lower in the CRE group than in the PLA group at 48, 72, 96, and 168 h post exercise (p = 0.002-0.030). Similar variation was observed in the shear modulus of the biceps brachii muscle at 96 and 168 h post exercise (p = 0.003-0.021) and in muscle fatigue at 0 and 168 h post exercise (p = 0.012-0.032). These findings demonstrate CrM-mediated accelerated recovery from EIMD, suggesting that CrM is an effective supplement for EIMD recovery.

Effects of Percussive Massage Treatments on Symptoms Associated with Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage.

Percussive massage (PM) is an emerging recovery treatment despite the lack of research on its effects post-eccentric exercise (post-EE). This study investigated the effects of PM treatments (immediately, 24, 48, and 72 h post-EE) on the maximal isometric torque (MIT), range of motion (ROM), and an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) of soreness of the nondominant arm's biceps brachii from 24-72 h post-EE. Seventeen untrained, college-aged subjects performed 60 eccentric elbow flexion actions with their nondominant arms. Nine received 1 minute of PM, versus eight who rested quietly (control [CON]). In order, NRS, ROM, and MIT (relative to body mass) were collected pre-eccentric exercise (pre-EE) and after treatment (AT) at 24, 48, and 72 h post-EE. NRS was also collected before treatment (BT). Electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitudes were collected during the MIT and normalized to pre-EE. There were no interactions for MIT, EMG, or MMG, but there were interactions for ROM and NRS. For ROM, the PM group had higher values than the CON 24-72 h by ~6-8°, a faster return to pre-EE (PM: 48 h, CON: 72 h), and exceeded their pre-EE at 72 h by ~4°. The groups' NRS values did not differ BT 24-72 h; however, the PM group lowered their NRS from BT to AT within every visit by ~1 point per visit, which resulted in them having lower values than the CON from 24-72 h by ~2-3 points. Additionally, the PM group returned their NRS to pre-EE faster than the CON (PM: BT 72 h, CON: never). In conclusion, PM treatments may improve ROM without affecting isometric strength or muscle activation 24-72 h post-EE. Although the PM treatments did not enhance the recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness until 72 h, they consistently provided immediate, temporary relief when used 24-72 h post-EE.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation and Post-Exercise Recovery: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Objective: This overview of systematic reviews (OoSRs) aimed, firstly, to systematically review, summarize, and appraise the findings of published systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses that investigate the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) on post-exercise recovery of muscle damage biomarkers, muscle soreness, and muscle performance. The secondary objective was to re-analyze and standardize the results of meta-analyses using the random-effects Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman (HKSJ) method.Methods: The methodological quality of the reviews was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2.We searched on five databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest) for systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses that investigated the effects of BCAA supplementation on the post-exercise recovery of muscle damage biomarkers, muscle soreness, and muscle performance.Results: Eleven systematic reviews (seven with meta-analyses) of individual studies were included. Evidence suggests BCAA ingestion attenuates creatine kinase (CK) levels (medium effects) and muscle soreness (small effects) immediately post-exercise and accelerates their recovery process, with trivial-to-large effects for CK levels and small-to-large effects for muscle soreness. BCAA supplementation has no effect on lactate dehydrogenase, myoglobin, and muscle performance recovery. The re-analyses with HKSJ method using the original data reported a slight change in results significance, concluding the same evidence as the original results. The major flaws found in the analyzed reviews were the absence of justification for excluding studies, and the lack of provision of sources of funding for primary studies and sources of conflict of interest and/or funding description.Conclusions: BCAA supplementation is an effective method to reduce post-exercise muscle damage biomarkers, particularly CK levels, and muscle soreness, with no effect on muscle performance. Future systematic reviews with/without meta-analyses, with greater methodological rigor, are needed.

This is the first overview of systematic reviews investigating the impact of BCAA supplementation on muscle damage biomarkers, muscle soreness, and muscle performance post-exercise recovery.BCAA supplementation reduces creatine kinase levels and muscle soreness, especially when consuming a high dose of BCAA longitudinally.BCAA supplementation has no effect on muscle performance post-exercise recovery.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome: An Overview.

Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) encompasses a wide range of complex neuroimmune disorders of unknown causes characterised by disabling post-exertional fatigue, myalgia and joint pain, cognitive impairments, unrefreshing sleep, autonomic dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It includes myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); fibromyalgia (FM); and more recently post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID). To date, there are no definitive clinical case criteria and no FDA-approved pharmacological therapies for PVFS. Given the current lack of effective treatments, there is a need to develop novel therapeutic strategies for these disorders. Mitochondria, the cellular organelles responsible for tissue energy production, have recently garnered attention in research into PVFS due to their crucial role in cellular bioenergetic metabolism in these conditions. The accumulating literature has identified a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and low-grade systemic inflammation in ME/CFS, FM, and long COVID. To address this issue, this article aims to critically review the evidence relating to mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of these disorders; in particular, it aims to evaluate the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on chronic fatigue and pain symptoms as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PVFS.

The effect of COVID-19 infection on patients with rheumatic diseases in China.

OBJECTIVES: At the end of 2022, the COVID-19 outbreak erupted in China, and BA.5.2 or BF.7 subtypes of Omicron novel variations were implicated in more than 90% of the cases. We created a real-world questionnaire survey to better understand how this new variant pandemic was affecting rheumatic patients in China. METHODS: During the COVID-19 outbreak in China, the subjects of this study were rheumatic patients and non-rheumatic individuals (control group), who were matched for sex and age. Professional physicians carefully questioned the participants before administering a questionnaire as part of the study. This study focused on the general baseline characteristics, clinical symptoms and treatment after COVID-19 infection, and the target populations' awareness of COVID-19. RESULTS: The study included 1130 participants, of whom 572 were assigned to the rheumatic group and 558 to the control group. The percentage of vaccinated controls was significantly higher than that of rheumatic patients (90.1% vs. 62.8%, p < 0.001), while the rate of COVID-19 infection was not significantly different between the two groups (82.3% vs. 86.6%, p = 0.051). Patients with rheumatic disease experienced substantially more days of fever following infection (2.87 ± 3.42 vs. 2.18 ± 1.65, p = 0.002) compared to individuals in the control group. The rheumatic patients had a greater prevalence of cough (67.1% vs. 54.0%, p < 0.001), somnipathy (13.8% vs. 6.0%, p < 0.001), and conjunctivitis/ophthalmodynia (5.3% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.008), while dry throat/throat pain/weakness (49.9% vs. 59.4%, p = 0.003), myalgia/osteodynia (33.3% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.003), and dyspnea (14.0% vs. 25.3%, p < 0.001) were more likely to occur in non-rheumatic group after infection. Human immunoglobulin (2.1% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.006), glucocorticoids (19.5% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001), oxygen support (6.8% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001), and traditional Chinese medicine (21.9% vs. 16.6%, p = 0.037) were all more frequently used by rheumatic patients with COVID-19 infection. People in the control group were more confused about whether to use masks in following social activities after contracting COVID-19 (14.7% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.001). In the control group, more individuals than patients with rheumatic disease (25.1% vs. 13.4%, p < 0.001) expressed an interest to receive the vaccine again. After being exposed to COVID-19, the majority of rheumatic patients (66.9%) reported no discernible change, only 29.1% reported a worsening of their symptoms, and the remaining 4% indicated an improvement. CONCLUSIONS: After the COVID-19 outbreak in China, the proportion of patients with rheumatic diseases infected with the virus was similar to that of normal individuals. But the clinical symptoms, follow-up treatment requirements, and awareness of the COVID-19 among rheumatic patients were distinct from those among non-rheumatic patients, necessitating the use of individualized diagnosis and treatment plans as well as health advice by medical professionals in clinical work. Key Points • Despite there were different comorbidities and vaccination rates, the rate of COVID-19 infection in patients with rheumatic disease was similar to that of normal individuals. • After COVID-19 infection, rheumatic patients and normal controls had different clinical symptoms and drug usage. • After being exposed to COVID-19, the majority of rheumatic patients felt no significant change in the primary disease, while the normal controls was more likely to accept a new vaccine injection and confused about whether to use masks in following social activities.

The Effects of 2 Different Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Male Recreational Athletes: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Soft tissue mobilization is frequently employed for delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) management. Foam roller and percussive massage are 2 popular soft tissue mobilization methods preferred by various professionals. However, their effects on DOMS symptoms are controversial and there are no studies comparing these 2 methods. The aim of the present study was to compare the acute effects of soft tissue mobilization with a foam roller or a percussive massage device on DOMS in young male recreational athletes. DESIGN: A parallel, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Thirty-six participants (median [interquartile range 25/75]; age: 20.0 [19.3/21.0] y) were randomly allocated to percussive massage group (n = 12), foam roller group (n = 12), and control group (n = 12). First, a fatigue protocol targeting quadriceps femoris was performed. Then, participants received soft tissue mobilization with foam roller/percussive massage or rested for 10 minutes according to their groups. Pain and fatigue were evaluated by a visual analog scale, and the skin surface temperature of over the quadriceps femoris was measured with thermal camera imaging. Evaluations were performed at baseline, following fatigue protocol, at 24th hour, and at 48th hour. Changes from the baseline at 24th and 48th hours were compared between groups. RESULTS: No significant between-group differences were observed at the assessments performed at 24th or 48th hour regarding the changes from baseline in pain (P value for 24th hour = .905, P value for 48th hour = .733), fatigue (P value for 24th hour = .895, P value for 48th hour = .606), or skin surface temperature measurements (P values for 24th hour = between .300 and .925, P values for 48th hour = between .311 and .750). CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue mobilizations applied with foam roller or percussive massage device do not seem to be superior to passive resting in alleviating DOMS symptoms in recreational athletes.

Under the Gun: Percussive Massage Therapy and Physical and Perceptual Recovery in Active Adults.

CONTEXT: Handheld percussive massage devices (ie, massage guns) are a relatively new and under-researched recovery tool. These tools are intended to increase range of motion and reduce muscle soreness by delivering targeted vibration to soft tissues. Empirical knowledge about the potential influence of these devices on perceptual recovery and the recovery of performance characteristics after exercise is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a 5-minute massage gun application, using a commercially available device, on physical and perceptual recovery after a strenuous bout of lower body exercise. DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. SETTING: Physiology laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 65 active young adults (age = 21.3 ± 1.4 years; age range = 18-30 years; 34 women: height = 165.8 ± 6.1 cm, mass = 66.0 ± 7.4 kg; 31 men: height = 181.1 ± 6.0 cm, mass = 81.5 ± 11.8 kg). INTERVENTION(S): Participants applied a massage gun on the calf muscles of 1 leg after strenuous exercise (massage gun recovery group) for 5 minutes and used no recovery intervention on the other leg (control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ankle range of motion, calf circumference, isometric strength, calf endurance, and perceived muscle soreness measures were collected at baseline and at various points after lower body exercise. RESULTS: No significant group × time interactions were recorded for any of the performance or perceptual measures (P values > .05). Effect sizes were mostly unclear, except for a small increase in perceived muscle soreness in the massage gun recovery group compared with the control group immediately (d = -0.35) and 4 hours (d = -0.48) postrecovery. CONCLUSIONS: Massage guns appeared to have little effect on physical measures when applied for 5 minutes immediately after strenuous calf exercise. Given the small increase in muscle soreness up to 4 hours after their use, caution is recommended when using massage guns immediately after strenuous lower body exercise.

Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: EPA or DHA?

PURPOSE: Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may enhance recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). However, it is unclear if the effects are due to EPA, DHA, or both. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of EPA + DHA, EPA, and DHA compared with placebo (PL) on muscular recovery. METHODS: Thirty males were randomized to 4 g·d -1 EPA + DHA ( n = 8), EPA ( n = 8), DHA ( n = 7), or PL ( n = 7). After 7-wk supplementation, a downhill running (20 min, 70% V̇O 2max , -16% gradient) plus jumping lunges (5 × 20 reps, 2-min rest intervals) muscle damage protocol was performed. Indices of muscle damage, soreness, muscle function, and inflammation were measured at baseline and throughout recovery. The omega-3 index (O3i; %EPA + %DHA in erythrocytes) was used to track tissue EPA and DHA status. RESULTS: After supplementation, the O3i was significantly higher than PL in all experimental groups ( P < 0.001). Leg press performance was lower in the PL group at 24 h compared with EPA ( P = 0 .019) and at 72 h for EPA ( P = 0.004) and DHA ( P = 0 .046). Compared with PL, muscle soreness was lower in the DHA ( P = 0.015) and EPA ( P = 0.027) groups at 48 h. Albeit nonsignificant, EPA + DHA tended to attenuate muscle soreness ( d = 1.37) and leg strength decrements ( d = 0.75) compared with PL. Jump performance and power metrics improved more rapidly in the EPA and DHA groups (time effects: P < 0.001). Measures of inflammation, range of motion, and muscle swelling were similar between groups ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with PL, 4 g·d -1 of EPA or DHA for 52 d improves certain aspects of recovery from EIMD. EPA + DHA did not clearly enhance recovery. Equivalent dosing of EPA + DHA may blunt the performance effects observed in EPA or DHA alone.

Is foam rolling as effective as its popularity suggests? A randomised crossover study exploring post-match recovery in female basketball.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of foam rolling as a post-match recovery tool in basketball. Using a crossover design, 13 female players completed two simulated matches, followed by foam rolling (FR) or placebo (CON). Countermovement jump height (CMJ), heart rate variability (Ln-rMSSD), muscle soreness (VAS), perceived recovery (TQR) and fatigue (Rating-of-Fatigue) were recorded at pre-match, post-match, post-recovery and 24 h post-match. No significant effect of time*intervention and intervention were found for any variable (p > 0.05), while a significant effect of time (p < 0.01) was reported for all variables. Post-hoc analyses revealed lower CMJ and Ln-rMSSD at post-match compared with all other time points (p < 0.001), increases in pre-match VAS scores at all subsequent time points (p < 0.01), and worse TQR and Rating-of-Fatigue scores from pre-to-post-match and pre-match-to-post-recovery (p < 0.01), except for unchanged TQR values from pre-match-to-post-recovery in FR (p > 0.05). Overall, the present data suggest that foam rolling was generally ineffective for improving post-exercise recovery in female basketball players after a single match. Future research investigating the effectiveness of foam rolling in players of different sex, age and/or competitive level is warranted to provide further insight on the topic.

A new perspective on tissue gliding dysfunction bordered by deep fascia as an indicator of delayed onset muscle soreness: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The deep fascia, especially its thickness and stiffness, plays an important role in the mechanism of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Here, we present a patient with DOMS associated with a tissue gliding dysfunction bordered by the deep fascia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 25-year-old woman developed DOMS of the left upper arm. We confirmed the tissue gliding dysfunction during manual skin traction by ultrasound imaging and treated with acupuncture aimed at stimulating the deep fascia. Tissue gliding between subcutaneous and muscle tissues bordered by the deep fascia was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, i.e., phases and distance of displacement. At the initial examination, the tissue gliding phases were in the same direction synchronously and the distance of displacement was 0.66mm. After the DOMS symptoms improved with direct acupuncture to the deep fascia, the phases changed independently in opposite directions and their displacement was 7.04mm. CONCLUSIONS: In this patient, tissue gliding played an important role in the symptoms of DOMS. This case report focusing on tissue gliding provides a new perspective on understanding the pathogenesis of DOMS.

The curative effect of fire needling combined with filiform needling on tension-type headache and its effect on the tenderness of pericranial muscles. / ç«é’ˆè”åˆæ¯«é’ˆæ²»ç–—ç´§å¼ æ€§å¤´ç—›çš„ç–—æ•ˆåŠå¯¹é¢ å‘¨è‚Œè‚‰åŽ‹ç—›çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the curative effect of fire needling pricking pericranial tender points combined with filiform needling on tension-type headache (TTH) and its effect on pericranial muscle tenderness, and explore the correlation between changes of headache symptoms and pericranial muscle tenderness in TTH, to analyze the influence of pericranial muscle tenderness on TTH. METHODS: A total of 41 TTH patients in the treatment group and 38 TTH patients in the control group completed the study. The patients in the treatment group were treated with fire needling at pericranial tender points combined with filiform needling at Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Shenting (GV24), Touwei (ST8) and Fengchi (GB20). The patients in the control group were only treated with the same filiform needling as the treatment group. Patients in the two groups were treated twice a week for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the days of headache onset, the number and distribution of pericranial muscle tender points were recorded, the degree of headache was evaluated by visual analogue scale and the threshold of pericranial muscle tender points were measured. The correlations between the changes of the days and degree of headache onset and the changes of the number and threshold of pericranial muscle tender points were analyzed. The effective rates in the two groups were calculated. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, the days of headache onset and the degree of headache were decreased (P<0.05) in the two groups；the number of pericranial muscle tender points was decreased (P<0.05) and the tenderness threshold was increased (P<0.05) in the treatment group. After treatment, compared with the control group, the days of headache onset, the degree of headache, and the number of pericranial muscle tender points were decreased (P<0.05), and the tenderness threshold was increased (P<0.05) in the treatment group. The decrease of the days and degree of headache was positively correlated with the decrease of number and the increase of tenderness threshold of pericranial muscle tender points (P<0.05). The effective rate in the treatment group was 87.80% (36/41), which was higher than 57.89% (22/38) in the control group (P<0.05). The most common anatomic location of tender points in baseline was superior trapezius muscle, followed by sternocleidomastoid muscle, superior nuchal line, temporal muscle, masseter muscle, etc. CONCLUSIONS: The fire needling at the pericranial muscle tender points combined with filiform needling on TTH patients can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and reduce the pericranial muscle tenderness. The pericranial muscle tenderness is an important factor in the pathogenesis of TTH.

Self-Massage Techniques for the Management of Pain and Mobility With Application to Resistance Training: A Brief Review.

ABSTRACT: MacLennan, M, Ramirez-Campillo, R, and Byrne, PJ. Self-massage techniques for the management of pain and mobility with application to resistance training: a brief review. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2314-2323, 2023-Fascial restrictions that occur in response to myofascial trigger points (MTrP), exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) cause soft tissue to lose extensibility, which contributes to abnormal muscle mechanics, reduced muscle length, and decrements in joint range of motion (ROM) and actively contributes to musculoskeletal pain. Resistance training and in particular, weightlifting movements have unique mobility requirements imperative for movement efficacy and safety with ROM restrictions resulting in ineffective volume and intensity tolerance and dampened force output and power, which may lead to a failed lift or injury. Self-massage (SM) provides an expedient method to promote movement efficiency and reduce injury risk by improving ROM, muscular function, and reducing pain and allows athletes to continue to train at their desired frequency with minimal disruption from MTrPs-associated adverse effects. Thus, the aim of this review was to determine the efficacy of various self-massage tools in managing pain and mobility and to explore the potential benefits of SM on resistance training performance. Many SM devices are available for athletes to manage ROM restrictions and pain, including differing densities of foam rollers, roller massagers, tennis balls, and vibrating devices. To attenuate adverse training effects, a 10-to-20-minute bout consisting of 2-minute bouts of SM on the affected area may be beneficial. When selecting a SM device, athletes should note that foam rollers appear to be more effective than roller massagers, with vibrating foam rollers eliciting an increased reduction to pain perception, and tennis balls and soft massage balls were shown to be efficacious in targeting smaller affected areas.

Comparison of therapeutic effects of 940 nm diode laser acupuncture with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome: a comparative randomized clinical trial.

Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is one of the most common sources of orofacial pain. There are different types of physical therapy for patients with MPDS, but there is insufficient evidence that any one treatment method is superior. This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and laser acupuncture (LA) using a 940-nm diode on MPDS improvement. In this randomized clinical trial, 22 MPDS patients were randomly assigned to TENS (180 HZ, 300 µs, 20 min) and LA (940 nm, continuous wave, 0. 5 w, 40 s, 105 J/cm2) groups. Data on overall facial pain, tenderness in the masticatory muscles, deviation, joint sound, and maximum mouth opening without pain (MMO) were collected from all patients at baseline, before and after each treatment session, and 1 month after the end session. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Fisher's exact test at a significance level of P < 0.05. The decreases in overall facial pain (P = 0.000), muscle tenderness (P = 0.000), and increase in MMO (P = 0.01, P = 0.001) were statistically significant compared to the baseline in the TENS and AL groups. No significant differences were detected between TENS and LA for overall facial pain, muscle tenderness, or MMO at 1 month follow-up (P > 0.05). Both LA and TENS are effective physical therapies with promising effects on sign and symptom improvements in MPDS patients.

Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Muscle Soreness and Performance Recovery after Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Female Volleyball Players.

BACKGROUND: Beetroot juice (BRJ) contains various bioactive compounds suggested to be effective in improving athlete recovery. However, the number of studies evaluating the effects of BRJ on recovery and muscle soreness (MS) indicators in female athletes is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects of BRJ consumption on the performance recovery indicators and MS after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in female volleyball players. METHODS: Twelve young female volleyball players were evaluated in this study. We utilized a randomized, cross-over, and double-blind design during two phases with a 30-day interval (wash-out). During each phase, EIMD was performed first, followed by BRJ or placebo (PLA) supplementation for two days (eight servings of 50 mL). Recovery monitoring of performance indicators and MS was performed after EIMD. The results of wall-sit, V sit and reach (VSFT), vertical jump height (VJH), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and thigh swelling (Sw-T) tests were recorded 48 h after EIMD. Also, the Perceived Muscle Soreness was recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS) 12 (MS-12 h), 24 (MS-24 h), and 48 (MS-48 h) hours after EIMD. RESULTS: The data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures of ANOVA at p < 0.05. Compared to PLA, BRJ supplementation improves wall-sit performance after EIMD (p < 0.05), while reducing Sw-T and perceived muscle soreness (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between PLA and BRJ in VJH and VSFT performance after EIMD (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the consumption of BRJ in female volleyball players can be useful for improving some recovery indicators, such as muscle endurance, perceived muscle soreness, and tissue edema, after EIMD.

Effect of Systemic and Auricular Acupuncture with a 2/100 Hz Frequency and Nogier Frequency in Fibromyalgia: a Randomized Clinical Trial, Pilot Study.

Background: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of chronic, generalized muscular pain, accompanied by sleep disturbances, fatigue and cardic autonomic dysfunction that will affect the quality of life. There is currently no gold standard treatment. There are limitations of studies with electroacupuncture in auricular acupuncture. Objectives: We evaluate the effects of systemic electroacupuncture (EA) with frequencies of 2/100 Hz associated of auricular acupuncture with a Nogier frequency (2.28, 4.56 and 9.12 Hz) for pain intensity, heart rate variability (HRV), and quality of life in fibromyalgia. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, a pilot study. Eighteen volunteers were randomized into a control group (CG, n = 9) and an experimental group (EG, n = 9). Six systemic EA sessions systemic and auricular were applied in the EG for 20 min, twice a week, for six weeks consecutive. The Numerical Pain Assessment Scale (NPRS), 2010 diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (FDC 2010), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and analysis of HRV were the instruments used. The independent t-test compared to the groups was applied. Results: There was no statistically significant difference for the primary outcome for NPRS (p > 0.05). In the secondary outcome there was a significant difference in the total score and in some FIQ domains (p = 0.008) and some variables such as pain (p = 0.02) and anxiety (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference for the FDC 2010 and HRV variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: 2/100 Hz systemic EA associated with the Nogier frequency positively influenced some quality of life variables; however, pain intensity, diagnostic criteria, and HRV variables did not change.

Blueberry intake elevates post-exercise anti-inflammatory oxylipins: a randomized trial.

This study determined if 18 days of supplementation with blueberries (BL) compared to placebo (PL) could mitigate muscle soreness and damage and improve inflammation resolution in untrained adults (n = 49, ages 18-50 years) after engaging in a 90-min bout of "weekend warrior" eccentric exercise. The BL freeze dried supplement provided 1 cup of fresh blueberries per day equivalent with 805 mg/day total phenolics and 280 mg/day anthocyanins. Urine levels of eight BL gut-derived phenolics increased after 14- and 18-days supplementation with 83% higher concentrations in BL vs. PL (p < 0.001). The 90-min exercise bout caused significant muscle soreness and damage during 4d of recovery and a decrease in exercise performance with no significant differences between PL and BL. Plasma oxylipins were identified (n = 76) and grouped by fatty acid substrates and enzyme systems. Linoleic acid (LA) oxylipins generated from cytochrome P450 (CYP) (9,10-, 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acids) (diHOMEs) were lower in BL vs. PL (treatment effect, p = 0.051). A compositive variable of 9 plasma hydroxydocosahexaenoic acids (HDoHEs) generated from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) and lipoxygenase (LOX) was significantly higher in BL vs. PL (treatment effect, p = 0.008). The composite variable of plasma 14-HDoHE, 17-HDoHE, and the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-derived oxylipin 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) (specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, SPM, intermediates) was significantly higher in BL vs PL (treatment effect, p = 0.014). Pearson correlations showed positive relationships between post-exercise DHA-LOX HDoHEs and SPM intermediates with urine blueberry gut-derived phenolics (r = 0.324, p = 0.023, and r = 0.349, p = 0.015, respectively). These data indicate that 18d intake of 1 cup/day blueberries compared to PL was linked to a reduction in pro-inflammatory diHOMES and sustained elevations in DHA- and EPA-derived anti-inflammatory oxylipins in response to a 90-min bout of unaccustomed exercise by untrained adults.

Effects of maslinic acid supplementation on exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in water polo athletes: A randomized, double-blind, crossover, and placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Olive fruit is rich in bioactive pentacyclic triterpenoids, primarily maslinic acid (MA). Previous studies have demonstrated that MA exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects; however, it is unclear whether MA intake during training inhibits perceptual fatigue and muscle soreness in athletes. This study analyzed the effects of MA supplementation during athletic training on perceptual fatigue and muscle soreness. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, cross-over, and placebo-controlled trial involved 12 young, healthy male water polo athletes. After daily training for seven days, they ingested either olive fruit extract, containing 60 mg/day MA, or a placebo. We measured perceptual fatigue and muscle soreness during the intervention using a visual analog scale and inflammatory and oxidative stress-related proteins. RESULTS: Perceptual fatigue and muscle soreness and the area under the curve during the training period were significantly lower (main effect of MA; P < 0.05) following MA supplementation than those for the placebo. MA supplementation during training lowered perceptual fatigue and muscle soreness by decreasing inflammatory factors in water polo athletes. Additionally, we examined the detailed mechanism of MA, added the participant's serum to the culture medium at a 10% concentration to determine inflammation- and oxidative stress-related intracellular signals. Skeletal muscle cells (C2C12) cultured with MA-conditioned serum before and after intervention also suppressed expression of inflammation and oxidative stress-related proteins. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that MA intake not only reduces perceptual fatigue and muscle soreness but also decreases inflammation and oxidative stress in the blood and skeletal muscle.

Acute effects of foam roller or stick massage on indirect markers from exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of foam roller or stick massage performed after exercise-induced muscle damage protocols on indirect markers of muscle damage compared to a non-intervention control group in healthy individuals. METHODS: PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library database were searched in August 2, 2020, with last update on February 21, 2021. Were included clinical trials involving healthy adult individuals who received foam roller/stick massage versus a non-intervention group and evaluated indirect markers of muscle damage. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the foam roller/stick massage effect on muscle soreness. RESULTS: The five included studies investigated 151 participants (136 men). Overall, the studies presented a moderate/high risk of bias. A between-groups meta-analysis showed no significant difference between massage and non-intervention control groups on muscle soreness immediately after (0.26 [95%CI: 0.14; 0.65], p = 0.20), 24 h (-0.64 [95%CI: 1.34; 0.07], p = 0.08), 48 h (-0.35 [95%CI: 0.85; 0.15], p = 0.17), 72 h (-0.40 [95%CI: 0.92; 0.12], p = 0.13), and 96 h (0.05 [95%CI: 0.40; 0.50], p = 0.82) after an exercise-induced muscle damage protocol. Moreover, the qualitative synthesis showed that foam roller or stick massage had no significant effect on range of motion, muscle swelling, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction recovery. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current literature appears to not support the advantage of foam roller or stick massage to improve recovery of muscle damage indirect markers (muscle soreness, range of motion, muscle swelling, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction) compared to a non-intervention control group in healthy individuals. Furthermore, due to the heterogeneity of the methodological designs among the included studies, making it difficult to compare the results. In addition, there are not enough high-quality and well-designed studies on foam roller or stick massage to draw any definite conclusions. REVIEW PROTOCOL NUMBER: The study was pre-registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) on August 2, 2020, with last update on February 21, 2021. Protocol number: CRD2017058559.

Effects of Intravascular Photobiomodulation on Insomnia, Muscle Soreness, and Biochemistry Profiles: An Eight-Year Retrospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although cognitive-behavioral therapy is the first-line treatment for insomnia, pharmacotherapy is often prescribed to treat insomnia and related symptoms. In addition, muscle relaxants are commonly prescribed to alleviate muscle soreness when the pain is unbearable. However, pharmacotherapy can lead to numerous side effects. The non-drug strategy intravascular laser irradiation of blood (iPBM) has been advocated to improve pain, wound healing, blood circulation, and blood cell function to relieve insomnia and muscle soreness symptoms. Therefore, we assessed whether iPBM improves blood parameters and compared drug use before and after iPBM therapy. METHODS: Consecutive patients who received iPBM therapy between January 2013 and August 2021 were reviewed. The associations between laboratory data, pharmacotherapies, and iPBM therapy were retrospectively analyzed. We compared patient characteristics, blood parameters, and drug use within the three months before the first treatment and the three months after the last treatment. We also compared the changes before and after treatment in patients who received ≥10 or 1-9 iPBM treatments. RESULT: We assessed 183 eligible patients who received iPBM treatment. Of them, 18 patients reported insomnia disturbance, and 128 patients reported pain in any part of their body. After the treatment, HGB and HCT significantly increased after treatment in both the ≥10 and 1-9 iPBM treatment groups (HGB p < 0.001 and p = 0.046; HCT p < 0.001 and p = 0.029, respectively). Pharmacotherapy analysis revealed no significant differences in drug use before and after treatment, though drug use tended to decrease after iPBM. CONCLUSIONS: iPBM therapy is an efficient, beneficial, and feasible treatment that increases HGB and HCT. While the results of this study do not support the suggestion that iPBM reduces drug use, further larger studies using symptom scales are needed to confirm the changes in insomnia and muscle soreness after iPBM treatment.

The Efficacy of New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel Powder Supplementation in Supporting Muscle Recovery Following Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Healthy, Untrained Adult Males.

Unaccustomed eccentric exercise results in muscle damage limiting physical performance for several days. This study investigated if Greenshell™ mussel (GSM) powder consumption expedited muscle recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Methods: Twenty untrained adult men were recruited into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study and were randomly assigned to receive the GSM powder or placebo treatment first. Participants consumed their allocated intervention for four weeks then completed a bench-stepping exercise that induced muscle damage to the eccentrically exercised leg. Muscle function, soreness and biomarkers of muscle damage, oxidative stress and inflammation were measured before exercise, immediately after exercise and 24, 48 and 72 h post exercise. GSM powder promoted muscle function recovery, significantly improving (p < 0.05) isometric and concentric peak torque at 48 h and 72 h post exercise, respectively. Participants on the GSM treatment had faster dissipation of soreness, with significant treatment × time interactions for affective (p = 0.007) and Visual Analogue Scale-assessed pain (p = 0.018). At 72 h, plasma creatine kinase concentrations in the GSM group were lower (p < 0.05) compared with the placebo group. This study provides evidence for GSM powder being effective in supporting muscle recovery from EIMD.