Effect of Topical Sports Cream Containing Cymbopogon schoenanthus on Acute Recovery Markers Following Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue in Competitive Athletes: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Muscle fatigue following high-intensity or repetitive training causes reduced muscle strength, restriction of blood flow, and increased muscle pain. The application of topical sports cream (TSC) as a recovery method has recently gained attention. However, few studies have investigated the effects of topical sports cream containing Cymbopogon schoenanthus (CS) on acute recovery markers. This study aimed to examine the effects of the acute application of a TSC containing CS after exercise-induced muscle fatigue on acute recovery markers. Methods: Ten taekwondo athletes (male: 5, female: 5) participated in this study. In a crossover design with 2week intervals, participants were randomly assigned to two clinical trial groups: TSC and placebo cream (PC). Isokinetic dynamometers were used to create exercise-induced muscle fatigue, and the subjects repeatedly performed external and internal shoulder rotations. TSC containing CS was applied to the shoulder muscles of the subjects after the exercise. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction, muscle pain, blood flow, and skin temperature were measured before, during, immediately after, 30 min after, and 60 min after exercise. Results: A significant interaction effect was found in blood flow between time and group (p = 0.032, ηp 2 = 0.157). However, there was no statistically significant interaction effect between time and group for maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), muscle pain, and skin temperature (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Acute application of TSC containing CS is effective in increasing blood flow during the recovery period following exercise-induced muscle fatigue.