CONTEXT: Numerous recovery strategies have been used in an attempt to minimize the symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). However, scientific evidence to support the effect of prophylactic (prior to exercise) and therapeutic (post-exercise) effects of a Combination Treatment (PNF & vitamin C, Ultrasound) on muscle damage is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a Combination Treatment (PNF& vitamin C, Ultrasound) on biochemical (enzymatic levels) and functional (elbow angle, arm circumference, pain rate, etc) markers of exercise-induced muscle damage. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: non-athletic college-age men participated voluntary in this study, which reported no delayed onset muscle soreness for at least 6 months before, then subjects were randomly assigned to subgroups with control hand and experimental hand. INTERVENTION(S): Exercise program was used for induce exercise-induced muscle damage involved Preacher curl test (eccentric contraction in two hands). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Relaxed arm circumference, flexed arm circumference, elbow resting angel, forearm circumference, range of motion flexed elbow, range of motion extended elbow, exercise-induced muscle damage, maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic strength were recorded at baseline, immediately after exercise, and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after post-exercise. Serum creatine kinase was measured at baseline, immediately after exercise, and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post-exercise. RESULTS: The experimental subgroup showed a reduction in DOMS symptoms in the form of less range of motion flexed elbow and range of motion extended elbow, less maximal isometric and isokinetic voluntary strength loss(P <.05) compared with the control subgroup. However, no effect on relaxed arm circumference, flexed arm circumference, elbow resting angle, forearm circumference was evident (P >.05). CONCLUSION: This Combination Treatment on maximal voluntary isometric strength, delayed onset of muscle soreness and pain intensity rate during timing was effective. Eventually, results suggest that combination treatments are effective treatment on maintenance isometric strength and decrease of delayed onset of muscle soreness and pain intensity rate.
Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD); PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation); vitamin C; Ultrasound
