Effect of different Volumes of exercise on skin temperature responses over the following 24 hours.

Skin temperature responses have been advocated to indicate exercise-induced muscle soreness and recovery status. While the evidence is contradictory, we hypothesize that the presence of muscle damage and the time window of measurement are confounding factors in the skin temperature response. The objective was to determine whether skin temperature is influenced by different workloads and the time course of temperature measurements over the following 24 h. 24 trained male military were assigned to one of three groups: GC group (n = 8) serving as control not performing exercises, GE group (n = 8) performing a simulated military combat protocol in an exercise track with different obstacles but designed not to elicit muscle damage, and the GEMD group (n = 8) performing the simulated military combat protocol plus 5 sets of 20 drop jumps, with 10-sec between repetitions and with 2-min of rest between sets aiming to induce muscle damage. Skin temperature was measured using infrared thermography before exercise (Pre) and 4 (Post4h), 8 (Post8h) and 24h (Post24h) post-exercise. Perception of pain (DOMS) was evaluated Pre, Post24h, and Post48h, and countermovement jump height was evaluated at Pre and Post24h. DOMS did not differ between groups in the Pre and Post24h measures but GEMD presented higher DOMS than the other groups at Post48h (p < 0.001 and large effect size). Jump height did not differ for GEMD and GC, and GE presented higher jump height at Post24h than GC (p = 0.02 and large effect size). Skin temperature responses of GEMD and GG were similar in all measurement moments (p > 0.22), and GE presented higher skin temperature than the GC and the GEMD groups at Post24h (p < 0.01 and large effect sizes). In conclusion, although physical exercise elicits higher skin temperature that lasts up to 24 h following the efforts, muscle soreness depresses this response.

Biceps brachii elastography in well-trained men post eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

PURPOSE: Recent advancements in elastography techniques, specifically supersonic shearwave elastography (SWE), have enabled non-invasive assessment of muscle stiffness. However, there is limited research on the immediate and short-term effects of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in well-trained individuals. This study aimed to follow up on the effects of eccentric training on the biceps brachialis stiffness by supersonic shearwave imaging (SSI) as well as the soreness and elbow flexion maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), immediately post-intervention, at 10 min, 48 h, and 96 h in well-trained men. METHODS: Thirteen well-trained males participated in the study. Baseline measurements of elastography images, MVIC of the elbow flexors, and muscle soreness were obtained. The participants performed an eccentric exercise protocol (4 sets X 10 repetitions) on the dynamometer isokinetic and elastography measurements were repeated immediately post-exercise, at 10 min, 48 h, and 96 h. RESULTS: Significant reductions in stiffness (measured by shear modulus (µ)) were observed immediately and at 10 min post-exercise. MVIC exhibited significant reductions immediately after, 10 min, and 48 h compared to baseline measurements. Muscle soreness peaked at 48 h, persisting until 96 h. CONCLUSIONS: The BB stiffness and MVIC reduction immediately post-eccentric exercise in well-trained men, suggest the potential involvement of mechanical stress and sarcomere rupture. Trained individuals may exhibit a distinct response to EIMD compared to untrained individuals, highlighting the applicability of elastography in monitoring acute biomechanical changes following high-intensity exercise.

Evaluation of a preemptive intervention regimen with hesperidin methyl chalcone in delayed-onset muscle soreness in young adults: a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial study.

PURPOSE: Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) describes an entity characterized by ultrastructural muscle damage. Hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) is a synthetic flavonoid presenting analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. We evaluated the effects of HMC upon DOMS. METHOD: In a preventive paradigm, 31 sedentary young men were submitted to a randomized, double-blinded parallel trial and received HMC 500 mg or one placebo capsule × 3 days before an intense dynamic exercise protocol (concentric/eccentric actions) applied for lower limbs for inducing muscle damage. Assessments were conducted at baseline, and 24 and 48 h after, comprising physical performance, and post-muscle soreness and damage, inflammation, recovery of muscle strength, and postural balance associated with DOMS. HMC safety was also evaluated. Thirty participants completed the study. RESULTS: HMC improved the performance of participants during exercise (40.3 vs 51.3 repetitions to failure, p = 0.0187) and inhibited CPK levels (90.5 vs 57.9 U/L, p = 0.0391) and muscle soreness during passive quadriceps palpation (2.6 vs 1.4 VAS cm, p = 0.0439), but not during active actions, nor did it inhibit IL-1ß or IL-10 levels. HMC improved muscle strength recovery, and satisfactorily refined postural balance, without inducing injury to kidneys or liver. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive HMC supplementation may be beneficial for boosting physical performance and for the amelioration of clinical parameters related to DOMS, including pain on muscle palpation, increased blood CPK levels, and muscle strength and proprioceptive deficits, without causing adverse effects. These data advance the understanding of the benefits provided by HMC for DOMS treatment, which supports its usefulness for such purpose.

Repeated Massage Improves Swimmers' Perceptions during Training Sessions but Not Sprint and Functional Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated massage adjusted for swimmers' training on the perceptive, functional, and performance outcomes of a sprint. We also investigated the effects of a single short massage on swimmers' self-reported perceptions after resistance training. This cross-over randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis included 19 male and female competitive swimmers between 12 and 20 years old. Participants were subjected to three 12-min interventions over a week between resistance and swim training and monitored regarding training load and perceptions. After the intervention week we assessed: perceptive (well-being, heaviness, tiredness, discomfort, and pain), performance (sprint time, FINA points, and stroke characteristics), and functional outcomes (flexibility, squat jump, bench press, proprioception), in addition to athlete beliefs and preferences. A massage was defined as consisting of sliding movements on the arms, back, and anterior thigh, with metronomic rhythm control (1:1), and was divided into two protocols: superficial massage (SM) (light touch) and deep massage (DM) (light, moderate, intense effleurage) while the control (CON) rested. After repeated massage (SM and SM), participants had less chances to report tiredness, and they also maintained perceptions of well-being while CON got worse throughout the week. However, we found evidence of worsening of the perceptions of heaviness and pain at the main stages of the swim training for the massage groups. SM and DM had no effects over sprint and functional performance. Our results suggest that the swimmers were able to train harder with no harm to recovery.

Influence of Cluster Sets on Mechanical and Perceptual Variables in Adolescent Athletes.

Cluster sets (CS) are effective in maintaining performance and reducing perceived effort compared to traditional sets (TRD). However, little is known about these effects on adolescent athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of CS on the performance of mechanical and perceptual variables in young athletes. Eleven subjects [4 boys (age = 15.5 ± 0.8 years; body mass = 54.3 ± 7.0 kg; body height = 1.67 ± 0.04 m; Back Squat 1RM/body mass: 1.62 ± 0.19 kg; years from peak height velocity [PHV]: 0.94 ± 0.50) and 7 girls (age = 17.2 ± 1.4 years; body mass = 54.7 ± 6.3 kg; body height = 1.63 ± 0.08 m; Back Squat 1RM/body mass: 1.22 ± 0.16 kg; years from PHV: 3.33 ± 1.00)] participated in a randomized crossover design with one traditional (TRD: 3 × 8, no intra-set and 225 s interest rest) and two clusters (CS1: 3 × 2 × 4, one 30 s intra-set and 180 s inter-set rest; and CS2: 3 × 4 × 2, three 30 s intra-set and 90 s inter-set rest) protocols. The subjects were assessed for a Back Squat 1RM for the first meet, then performed the three protocols on three different days, with at least 48 h between them. During experimental sessions, a back squat exercise was performed, and mean propulsive velocity (MPV), power (MPP), and force (MPF) were collected to analyze performance between protocols, together with measures of countermovement jump (CMJ) and perceptual responses through Rating of Perceived Exertion for each set (RPE-Set) and the overall session (S-RPE), and Muscle Soreness (DOMS). The results showed that velocity and power decline (MVD and MPD) were favorable for CS2 (MVD: -5.61 ± 14.84%; MPD: -5.63 ± 14.91%) against TRD (MVD: -21.10 ± 11.88%; MPD: -20.98 ± 11.85%) (p < 0.01) and CS1 (MVD: -21.44 ± 12.13%; MPD: -21.50 ± 12.20%) (p < 0.05). For RPE-Set, the scores were smaller for CS2 (RPE8: 3.23 ± 0.61; RPE16: 4.32 ± 1.42; RPE24: 4.46 ± 1.51) compared to TRD (RPE8: 4.73 ± 1.33; RPE16: 5.46 ± 1.62; RPE24: 6.23 ± 1.97) (p = 0.008), as well as for Session RPE (CS2: 4.32 ± 1.59; TRD: 5.68 ± 1.75) (p = 0.015). There were no changes for jump height (CMJ: p = 0.985), and the difference between time points in CMJ (ΔCMJ: p = 0.213) and muscle soreness (DOMS: p = 0.437) were identified. Our findings suggest that using CS with a greater number of intra-set rests is more efficient even with the total rest interval equalized, presenting lower decreases in mechanical performance and lower perceptual effort responses.

Acute Effect of the "Zero Point" Method on Muscle Thickness and Muscle Damage in Trained Men.

The "zero point" method allows for lower intensities for an exercise session without impairing the total training volume. This study aimed to compare the effects of the "zero point" versus the traditional method on muscle responses and muscle damage in trained men. Fifteen experienced men (age: 27.7 ± 6.4 years; body mass: 78.4 ± 11.4 kg; height: 174.8 ± 4.9 cm; experience: 5.86 ± 4.7 years; relative bench press strength: 1.38 ± 0.17 kg·kg-1) were subjected to two exercise protocols in a randomized order and separated by a week. The traditional and "zero point" methods were applied in the bench press, with loads of 70% and 50% of one repetition maximum (1RM), respectively, for 10 sets until concentric failure, with 3-min intervals between sets. The zero point method displayed a higher number of repetitions and time under tension than the traditional method, with no difference in the total training volume, echo intensity, algometry, lactate, and myoglobin. For the muscle thickness, no differences between the groups were presented, except for the deltoid muscle thickness, in which a higher post-training volume was observed compared to traditional training. The "zero point" method increases the demand on the deltoid muscles in the bench press exercise, but not on the pectoralis and triceps brachii.

Is Electrical Stimulation Effective in Preventing or Treating Delayed-onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in Athletes and Untrained Adults? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

The effectiveness of electrical stimulation (ES) in preventing or treating delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and its effects on muscle recovery is unclear. The systematic review investigated the benefits or harms of ES on DOMS and muscle recovery. Databases (PubMed, Medline, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PEDro, LILACS, SPORTDiscus) were searched up to March, 31st 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of athletes or untrained adults with DOMS treated with ES and compared to placebo/sham (simulation or without ES), or control (no intervention). Data were pooled in a meta-analysis. Risk of bias (Cochrane Collaboration tool) and quality of evidence (GRADE) were analyzed. Fourteen trials (n=435) were included in this review and 12 trials (n=389) were pooled in a meta-analysis. Evidence of very low to low quality indicates that ES does not prevent or treat DOMS as well as ES does not help to promote muscle recovery immediately, 24, 48, 72, 96 hours after the intervention. Only one study monitored adverse events. There are no recommendations that support the use of ES in DOMS and muscle recovery. PERSPECTIVES: No recommendations support the use of electrical stimulation in delayed-onset muscle soreness and muscle recovery in athletes and untrained adults. This means that electrical stimulation is not fruitful for this population according those protocols used. Therefore, unlikely that further randomized controlled trials with the same approach will yield promising results.

Fatigue and Recovery Time Course After Female Soccer Matches: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the extent of fatigue responses after female soccer matches and the ensuing recovery time course of performance, physiological, and perceptual responses. METHODS: Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) were searched in October 2020 and updated in November 2021. Studies were included when participants were female soccer players, regardless of their ability level. Further, the intervention was an official soccer match with performance, physiological, or perceptual parameters collected pre- and post-match (immediately, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h-post). RESULTS: A total of 26 studies (n = 465 players) were included for meta-analysis. Most performance parameters showed some immediate post-match reduction (effect size [ES] = - 0.72 to - 1.80), apart from countermovement jump (CMJ; ES = - 0.04). Reduced CMJ performance occurred at 12 h (ES = - 0.38) and 24 h (ES = - 0.42) and sprint at 48 h post-match (ES = - 0.75). Inflammatory and immunological parameters responded acutely with moderate-to-large increases (ES = 0.58-2.75) immediately post-match. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase alterations persisted at 72 h post-match (ES = 3.79 and 7.46, respectively). Small-to-moderate effects were observed for increased cortisol (ES = 0.75) and reduced testosterone/cortisol ratio (ES = -0.47) immediately post-match, while negligible to small effects existed for testosterone (ES = 0.14) and estradiol (ES = 0.34). Large effects were observed for perceptual variables, with increased fatigue (ES = 1.79) and reduced vigor (ES = - 0.97) at 12 h post-match, while muscle soreness was increased immediately post (ES = 1.63) and at 24 h post-match (ES = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Acute fatigue exists following female soccer matches, and the performance, physiological, and perceptual parameters showed distinctive recovery timelines. Importantly, physical performance was recovered at 72 h post-match, whereas muscle damage markers were still increased at this time point. These timelines should be considered when planning training and match schedules. However, some caution should be advised given the small number of studies available on this population. REGISTRATION: The protocol for this systematic review was pre-registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, Registration Number: CRD42021237857).

Effect of Caffeine Ingestion on Indirect Markers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review of Human Trials.

The effect of caffeine on mitigating exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is still poorly understood, but it was hypothesized that caffeine could contribute to decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness, attenuating temporary loss of strength, and reducing circulating levels of blood markers of muscle damage. However, evidence is not conclusive and beneficial effects of caffeine ingestion on EIMD are not always observed. Factors, such as the type of exercise that induces muscle damage, supplementation protocol, and type of marker analyzed contribute to the differences between the studies. To expand knowledge on the role of caffeine supplementation in EIMD, this systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of caffeine supplementation on different markers of muscle damage. Fourteen studies were included, evaluating the effect of caffeine on indirect muscle damage markers, including blood markers (nine studies), pain perception (six studies), and MVC maximal voluntary contraction force (four studies). It was observed in four studies that repeated administration of caffeine between 24 and 72 h after muscle damage can attenuate the perception of pain in magnitudes ranging from 3.9% to 26%. The use of a single dose of caffeine pre-exercise (five studies) or post-exercise (one study) did not alter the circulating blood levels of creatine kinase (CK). Caffeine supplementation appears to attenuate pain perception, but this does not appear to be related to an attenuation of EIMD, per se. Furthermore, the effect of caffeine supplementation after muscle damage on strength recovery remains inconclusive due to the low number of studies found (four studies) and controversial results for both dynamic and isometric strength tests.

Effects of omega-3 supplementation on muscle damage after resistance exercise in young women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 is a nutritional strategie that have been used to recover muscles from exercise-induced muscle damage in a preventive perspective. AIM: To verify whether omega-3 (ω-3) supplementation after a session of resistance exercise facilitates muscle recovery in women undergoing a balanced diet. METHODS: This clinical trial was registered under the number NCT02839525. Thirty healthy women (22.2 ± 3.3 years) participated in this double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. They were randomly distributed into ω-3 (n=15) and placebo (n=15) groups. They ingested ω-3 fish oil (3200 mg/day) or placebo (olive oil) at the dinner after the exercise bout (10 sets of 10 unilateral eccentric contractions in a knee extension chair), as well as at lunch for the three subsequent days. In addition, both groups followed a balanced diet along the four days. Muscle soreness and maximal isometric and isokinetic voluntary contractions were assessed immediately before, and 24, 48, and 72 hours after the resistance exercise. MAIN FINDINGS: There was no significant group-time interaction for any outcome. Participants presented increased levels of muscle soreness and reduced muscle strength capacity along the three days after exercise. There was no difference between placebo and ω-3 groups. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of ω-3 fish oil for three days after resistance exercise provided no additional benefits compared to placebo supplementation on recovery of healthy young women following a balanced diet.

Delayed onset muscle soreness intensity affects muscular performance / El Dolor muscular de aparición tardía afecta el desempeño muscular

Abstract Background: The study of functional impact of delayed onset muscle soreness has been limited to describe the decline on maximal isometric contraction, but muscular work and time to peak torque has not been examined yet. Purpose: To describe the changes induced by a session of lengthening contractions on muscle performance and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Institutional laboratory; Twenty healthy men; mean age 21 SD 0.34 were recruited, all subjects performed 200 lengthening contractions of the quadriceps at 120°/s. Isometric and isokinetic peak torque, muscular work, time to peak torque, DOMS and creatine kinase activity were assessed at baseline, 48 h and 96 h post-exercise. The muscle performance was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer and DOMS with a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Relative to baseline, isometric and isokinetic peak torque and muscular work decreased in ~30% at 48 h post-exercise; delayed onset muscle soreness increased ~300%, which remained at 96 h post-exercise. Conclusions: These reflect that the decline in muscular performance is due to the changes in peak torque and muscular work, which has greater implications on muscle function. No changes were detected in time to peak torque. The alterations in muscular performance variables are accompanied by delayed onset muscle soreness which has also a negative impact on force production (29% of the drop on peak torque is explain by soreness intensity).

Resumen Introducción: Los estudios de impacto funcional del dolor muscular de aparición tardía (DMAT) se han limitado a describir la disminución de la contracción isométrica máxima, pero aún no se ha examinado el trabajo muscular y el tiempo del torque máximo. Objetivo: Describir los cambios inducidos por una sesión de ejercicio excéntrico sobre el rendimiento muscular y DMAT. Método: se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental, los participantes fueron veinte hombres sanos; edad media 21 DE 0,34, todos los sujetos realizaron 200 contracciones excéntricas del cuádriceps a 120°/s. Se evaluó el torque pico isométrico e isocinético, el trabajo muscular, el tiempo hasta el torque máximo, DMAT y la actividad de la creatina quinasa al inicio, 48 h y 96 h después del ejercicio, el rendimiento muscular se evaluó con un dinamómetro isocinético y DOMS con una escala análoga visual (EAV). Resultados: en relación con la línea de base, el torque pico isométrico e isocinético y el trabajo muscular disminuyeron en ~ 30 % a las 48 h post-ejercicio; El dolor muscular de aparición tardía aumentó ~300 %, que permaneció 96 h después del ejercicio. Conclusiones: los resultados reflejan que la disminución del rendimiento muscular se debe a los cambios en el torque pico y trabajo muscular, lo que tiene mayores implicaciones en la función muscular. No se detectaron cambios en el tiempo hasta el torque máximo. Las alteraciones en las variables de rendimiento muscular se acompañan de DMAT que también tiene un impacto negativo en la producción de fuerza (el 29 % de la caída en el torque máximo se explica por la intensidad del dolor).

Effects of Individualized Ischemic Preconditioning on Protection Against Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) versus a deceptive sham protocol on indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) after the application of individualized occlusion pressure were examined. The goal of using a sham protocol is to control for the potential effect of placebo. HYPOTHESIS: IPC would surpass the sham protocol in protecting against EIMD. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1. METHODS: Thirty healthy young men were randomly assigned to an eccentric exercise for the knee extensor muscles preceded by IPC (4 × 5 minutes of individualized total occlusion pressure) or sham protocol (4 × 5 minutes using 20 mm Hg). Maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVIT), rate of torque development, muscle soreness, pressure pain threshold, knee range of motion, thigh girth, and creatine kinase (CK) activity were assessed before IPC or sham protocol and up to 72 hours after the eccentric EIMD. Affective valence and perceived exertion were also evaluated. RESULTS: MVIT decreased 17.1% in the IPC and 18.1% in the sham groups, with no differences between groups. Differences from baseline were observed in the sham group for muscle soreness at 48 hours (P < 0.001) and 72 hours (P = 0.02), and for CK activity at 72 hours (P = 0.04). Muscle soreness was reduced in the IPC group at 48 hours compared with the sham group (∆ = 15.8 mm; P = 0.008) but without achieving the minimal clinically important difference. IPC induced a smaller perceived exertion than the sham protocol (∆ = 1.1 a.u.; P = 0.02). The remaining outcomes were not statistically different in both groups. CONCLUSION: IPC does not surpass the sham protocol to protect against mild EIMD of the knee extensors muscles. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although IPC is a noninvasive, low-cost, and easy-to-administer intervention, the IPC effects can, in part, be explained by the placebo effect. In addition, individualized IPC promotes attenuation in perceived exertion during eccentric exercise.

Intense Acute Swimming Induces Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness Dependent on Spinal Cord Neuroinflammation.

Unaccustomed exercise involving eccentric contractions, high intensity, or long duration are recognized to induce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Myocyte damage and inflammation in affected peripheral tissues contribute to sensitize muscle nociceptors leading to muscle pain. However, despite the essential role of the spinal cord in the regulation of pain, spinal cord neuroinflammatory mechanisms in intense swimming-induced DOMS remain to be investigated. We hypothesized that spinal cord neuroinflammation contributes to DOMS. C57BL/6 mice swam for 2 h to induce DOMS, and nociceptive spinal cord mechanisms were evaluated. DOMS triggered the activation of astrocytes and microglia in the spinal cord 24 h after exercise compared to the sham group. DOMS and DOMS-induced spinal cord nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activation were reduced by intrathecal treatments with glial inhibitors (fluorocitrate, α-aminoadipate, and minocycline) and NFκB inhibitor [pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC)]. Moreover, DOMS was also reduced by intrathecal treatments targeting C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1ß or with recombinant IL-10. In agreement, DOMS induced the mRNA and protein expressions of CX3CR1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10, c-Fos, and oxidative stress in the spinal cord. All these immune and cellular alterations triggered by DOMS were amenable by intrathecal treatments with glial and NFκB inhibitors. These results support a role for spinal cord glial cells, via NFκB, cytokines/chemokines, and oxidative stress, in DOMS. Thus, unveiling neuroinflammatory mechanisms by which unaccustomed exercise induces central sensitization and consequently DOMS.

The 4R's Framework of Nutritional Strategies for Post-Exercise Recovery: A Review with Emphasis on New Generation of Carbohydrates.

Post-exercise recovery is a broad term that refers to the restoration of training capacity. After training or competition, there is fatigue accumulation and a reduction in sports performance. In the hours and days following training, the body recovers and performance is expected to return to normal or improve. ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were reviewed to identify studies and position declarations examining the relationship between nutrition and sports recovery. As an evidence-based framework, a 4R's approach to optimizing post-exercise recovery was identified: (i) Rehydration-a fundamental process that will depend on the athlete, environment and sports event; (ii) Refuel-the consumption of carbohydrates is not only important to replenish the glycogen reserves but also to contribute to the energy requirements for the immune system and tissue reparation. Several bioengineered carbohydrates were discussed but further research is needed; (iii) Repair-post-exercise ingestion of high-quality protein and creatine monohydrate benefit the tissue growth and repair; and (iv) Rest-pre-sleep nutrition has a restorative effect that facilitates the recovery of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. Nutritional consultancy based on the 4R's is important for the wise stewardship of the hydration, feeding, and supplementation strategies to achieve a timely recovery.

Efeito da suplementação de arginina sobre marcadores indiretos de dano muscular induzido pelo exercício de força / Effect of arginine supplementation on indirect markers of muscle damage induced by resistance exercise

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação de arginina (ARG) sobre marcadores indiretos do dano muscular induzido pelo exercício (DMIE). Participaram do estudo 24 jovens universitários do sexo masculino, com experiência mínima de 1 ano em treinamento de força. Os indivíduos foram alocados em 2 grupos, em seguindo delineamento experimental duplo -cego: suplementado com 7g de arginina (ARG, n=12) ou suplementado com 7g de placebo (PLA, n =12 ). O suplemento foi oferecido 30 min antes da realização do protocolo de 10 séries de 10 repetições máximas (RMs) realizadas no supino. Foram aferidas a circunferência torácica, a dor muscular de in ício tardio (DMIT), por meio da escala visual analógica (EVA), e a carga do teste de uma repetição máxima (1 RM) em repouso, 24h, 48h e 72h após a sessão de treinamento (ST). Os resultados foram analisados utilizando teste de análise de variância ANOVA de dois fatores), seguido pelo teste de Bonferroni. A DMIT apresentou maior magnitude no PLA, em todos momentos avaliados após a ST, em comparação ao grupo ARG (p<0,01). Foi observado maior decréscimo da produção de força no grupo PLA, em 72h após a ST , comparado ao grupo ARG (p<0,05). A suplementação aguda de ARG parece ter atenuado a magnitude da DMIT e acelerado a recuperação da força...(AU)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of arginine (ARG) supplementation o nindirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Twenty-four male graduate students, with a minimum of one year of experience in resistance training participated in the study . T he subject s were allocated in 2 groups in a double-blind experimental design: supplemented with 7 g o f argin ine (ARG, n=12) or supplemented with 7g of placebo (PLA, n=12). The dietary supplement was co n sum e d at 3 0 minutes prior to a protocol of 10 sets of 10 maximum repetitions performed in the bench press. Measurements of thoracic circumference, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) using visual an alo gue scale (VAS), and one-repetition maximum (1RM) at rest, 24h, 48h and 72h after the training session (TS). The data were analyzed by ANOVA-two way, followed by the Bonferroni test. DOMS presented a reater magnitude for PLA, in all moments evaluated after TS, compared to the ARG group (p<0.01). There was a greater decrease in the strength for PLA, at 72h after TS, compared to ARG (p<0 .05 ). The acute ARG supplementation seems to attenuate the magnitude of DOMS and accelerate recovery of strength...(AU)

Muscle damage responses to resistance exercise performed with high-load versus low-load associated with partial blood flow restriction in young women.

The aim of this study was to compare if an acute exercise session of high-load resistance training (HL-RT, e.g. 70% of 1 repetition-maximum, 1 RM) induces a higher magnitude of muscle damage compared with a RT protocol with low-loads (e.g. 20% 1 RM) associated with partial blood flow restriction (LL-BFR), and investigate the recovery in the days after the protocols. We used an unilateral crossover research design in which 10 young women (22(2) y; 162(5) cm; 66(11) kg) performed HL-RT and LL-BFR in a randomized, counterbalanced manner with a minimum interval of 2 weeks between protocols. Indirect muscle damage markers were evaluated before and once a day for 4 days into recovery. Main results showed decreases of 8-12% at 24-48 h in maximal voluntary isometric and concentric contraction torques (P < 0.03), and changes in muscle architecture markers (P < 0.03) for HL-RT and LL-BFR, with no differences between protocols (P > 0.05). Moreover, delayed onset muscle soreness increased only after LL-BFR (P < 0.001). We conclude that an acute bout of low volume HL-RT or LL-BFR to failure resulted in edema-induced muscle swelling, but do not induce major or long-lasting decrements in muscle function and the level of soreness promoted from LL-BFR was mild.

Chronic uphill and downhill exercise protocols do not lead to sarcomerogenesis in mouse skeletal muscle.

It has been suggested that eccentric contraction (EC) is associated with increases in serially arranged sarcomeres (sarcomerogenesis), while concentric contraction (CC) has been associated with serial sarcomeres decrease. Sarcomerogenesis following EC is thought to be a protective muscle adaptation, preventing muscle injury in future eccentric exercise bouts (repeated bout effect). However, the mechanisms underlying sarcomerogenesis in EC remain unknown, and the sarcomerogenic responses observed in response to EC and CC are contradictory. We measured sarcomere length, sarcomere length uniformity, serial sarcomere number, and fascicle length in gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis in sedentary (SED) mice, and in mice following protocols of moderate uphill (TRU) and downhill (TRD) training and uphill (OTU) and downhill (OTD) overtraining. We found pain sensitivity after the first bout of EC exercise on TRD and OTD followed by a normalized sensory response after four weeks of training, indicating a repeated bout effect. However, these findings were not associated with sarcomerogenesis, as serial sarcomere numbers did not increase in TRD and OTD skeletal muscle samples compared to controls (SED). However, we found a decrease in serial sarcomere number in VL and TA in OTU group mice, which was associated with a decrease in fascicle length and no change of sarcomere length at the tested joint configuration. We conclude that excessive concentric muscle contraction (OTU group mice), leads to a decrease in serial sarcomere number, while moderate or excessive eccentric training, did not result in sarcomerogenesis, as reported in the literature.

Protective Effect Conferred by Isometric Preconditioning Against Slow- and Fast-Velocity Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage.

We investigated if the same isometric preconditioning protocol (IPP) attenuates the magnitude of muscle damage induced by different maximal eccentric exercise protocols in the elbow flexors. Sixty-four untrained men were assigned to either two experimental or two control groups. Participants in the experimental groups performed an IPP prior to either slow (60°·s-1 - ISO + ECC-S) or fast (180°·s-1 - ISO + ECC-F) maximal eccentric contractions (MaxECC). Subjects in the control groups performed slow (ECC-S) or fast (ECC-F) MaxECC without IPP. Maximal isokinetic concentric torque (MVC), muscle soreness (SOR), and muscle thickness (MT) were assessed before, immediately after, and 1-4 days following the MaxECC. Significant (p < 0.05) group vs. time interactions were found for MVC (F = 4,517), SOR (F = 6,318), and MT (F = 1,863). The ECC-S group presented faster (p < 0.05) recovery of MVC and MT and less (p < 0.05) SOR at 96 h post-MaxECC compared with ECC-F group. No significant differences in MVC and MT were found between ECC-S and ECC-F groups following MaxECC. The ISO + ECC-S group showed faster (p < 0.05) recovery of MVC and SOR compared to the ECC-S group. No significant differences were evident between ISO + ECC-S and ECC-S in any variable. The ISO + ECC-F group showed faster (p < 0.05) recovery of all assessed variables compared with the ECC-F group. MVC was greater (p < 0.05) at 48-72 h, and SOR was less (p < 0.05) at 48-96 h in the ISO + ECC-F compared to the ECC-F group. No significant differences were evident between ISO + ECC-S and ISO + ECC-F for any variable. These results show that the IPP accelerated recovery of MVC and SOR for the slow-eccentric exercise condition and attenuated strength loss and SOR in addition to faster recovery of all assessed variables for the fast-eccentric exercise condition. Therefore, the IPP can be used as a strategy to attenuate and accelerate recovery of muscle damage induced by different-velocity eccentric exercises, resulting in greater protection against muscle damage induced by faster velocity.

Consumption of An Anthocyanin-Rich Antioxidant Juice Accelerates Recovery of Running Economy and Indirect Markers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Following Downhill Running.

This study examined the effects of anthocyanin-rich antioxidant juice (AJ) on the recovery of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and the running economy (RE) following downhill running (DHR). Thirty healthy young men were randomly divided into two blinded groups and consumed either AJ or placebo (PLA) for nine days (240 mL twice-a-day). On day 5, the participants from both groups ran downhill (-15%) for 30 min at 70% of their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) speeds. The changes in RE (oxygen uptake (VO2) and perceived effort (PE) during 5-min runs at 80%VO2max) and EIMD (isometric peak torque (IPT), muscle soreness (SOR) and serum creatine kinase activity (CK)) were compared over time and between the groups on the 4 days following DHR. VO2 and PE increased (p < 0.05) immediately following DHR for both groups and remained elevated for PLA until 48h post-DHR while fully recovering 24 h post-DHR for AJ. SOR was greater (p < 0.05) for PLA throughout the study. CK increased for both groups and was greater (p < 0.05) for PLA at 96 h post-DHR. IPT decreased for both groups but recovered faster for AJ (72 h) compared to PLA (no full recovery). AJ accelerated recovery of RE and EIMD and should be used in specific contexts, but not chronically.

Efectos de la suplementación con vitamina E en la reducción del dolor muscular de inicio retardado. Una revisión narrativa / Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation in Reducing Delayed Onset Muscle Pain. A Narrative Review

Antecedentes: actualmente existe un creciente interés en investigar métodos que logren disminuir el dolor muscular de inicio retardado. Se ha postulado que antioxidantes como las vitaminas C y E pueden atenuarlo. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de vitamina E en la atenuación del dolor muscular de inicio retardado. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Medline, Registro Central Cochrane, Scopus, SportDiscus y SciELO, utilizando los términos: "vitamin e supplementation", "muscle damage" y "delayed onset muscle soreness". Resultados: se revisaron estudios en diversos grupos poblacionales, con diferentes métodos de evaluación y diversas dosis de vitamina E. Los resultados obtenidos fueron controversiales, en algunos casos se demostró un efecto atenuante del dolor muscular de inicio retardado y en otros casos no. Conclusiones: la vitamina E produce una disminución del estrés oxidativo y estabilización el sarcolema; no obstante, faltan pruebas concluyentes para afirmar que la vitamina E tenga el efecto de generar mejoras en los biomarcadores asociados al dolor muscular de inicio retardado.

Background: Currently, there is a growing interest in investigating methods that reduce delayed onset muscle pain. It has been postulated that antioxidants such as vitamin C and E can attenuate it. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin E in mitigating delayed onset muscle pain. Materials and Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the following databases: Medline, Registry Central Cochrane, Scopus, SportDiscus and SciELO, using the terms: "vitamin e supplementation", "muscle damage" and "delayed onset muscle soreness". Results: Studies in diverse population groups were reviewed, with various evaluation methods and differing doses of vitamin E. The results were very controversial, in some cases a delayed onset pain effect was demonstrated and in other cases not. Conclusion: Vitamin E produces a decrease in oxidative stress and stabilization of sarcolemma, however, conclusive evidence is lacking to state that vitamin E will have the effect of generating improvements in biomarkers associated with delayed onset muscle pain.