Effect of Phototherapy on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Abstract

The results of this study provide scientific evidence that phototherapy as used in this study provides a beneficial effect to patients who may experience DOMS after a novel exercise session.

Effect of cluster multi‐diode light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) on exercise‐induced skeletal muscle fatigue and skeletal muscle recovery in humans

“…It is well known that muscle damage often occurs after high intensity exercise, and is accompanied by an inflammatory response [19]. Previous studies have shown that inflammatory responses occur after high intensity exercise [19][20][21][22], and one study found a reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness after eccentric exercise [23]. It is surprising that CRP levels actually are significantly lower than the pre-exercise level for the LEDT group.…”

Phototherapy and Grip Muscle Performance

“…Possible explanations are that although the grip motion may involve a minimal eccentric contraction while releasing the grip, the movement was primarily isometric because the subjects were told to hold the contraction for three seconds. Although eccentric exercise is known as the primary facilitator of DOMS, unaccustomed physical exercise has also been cited as a factor [3]. Grip is a common activity that is utilized is daily.…”

“…DOMS was assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). This was previously utilized in another DOMS study by the author [3]. Following each treatment condition, each subject was asked to rate their highest level of pain over the previous 24 hour and 48 hour period by marking a graphic pain scale on a 100 mm line marked no pain on one end and maximal pain on the other.…”

“…Recent meta-analyses performed by Fulop et al [1,2] have provided evidence for the clinical usage of phototherapy for pain and tissue repair. Phototherapy has also been shown to decrease the onset of delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise [3]. Recently, Baroni et al [4] and Leal Junior et al [5][6][7][8][9][10] have investigated the effects of phototherapy on muscle endurance and recovery in athletes.…”

Range of Motion as a Predictor of Clinical Shoulder Pain During Recovery From Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness

“…Exercise-induced DOMS produces signs and symptoms similar to acute injury, with pain and impairment peaking at 24 to 48 hours postinjury and full resolution within 5 to 7 days. 14,15 The exercise-induced DOMS model mimics the cellular and functional processes observed in acute musculoskeletal injury. [15][16][17][18][19] Such processes include loss of ROM and strength, resting pain (as assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory [BPI]), disability with activities of daily living, and localized swelling followed by signs of healing within 72 hours of injury.…”