Is “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” a False Friend? The Potential Implication of the Fascial Connective Tissue in Post-Exercise Discomfort

Abstract

Strenuous and unaccustomed exercise frequently lead to what has been coined “delayed onset muscle soreness” (DOMS). As implied by this term, it has been proposed that the associated pain and stiffness stem from micro-lesions, inflammation, or metabolite accumulation within the skeletal muscle. However, recent research points towards a strong involvement of the connective tissue. First, according to anatomical studies, the deep fascia displays an intimate structural relationship with the underlying skeletal muscle and may therefore be damaged during excessive loading. Second, histological and experimental studies suggest a rich supply of algogenic nociceptors whose stimulation evokes stronger pain responses than muscle irritation. Taken together, the findings support the hypothesis that DOMS originates in the muscle-associated connective tissue rather than in the muscle itself. Sports and fitness professionals designing exercise programs should hence consider fascia-oriented methods and techniques (e.g., foam rolling, collagen supplementation) when aiming to treat or prevent DOMS.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation Does Not Accelerate Recovery after a Change of Direction Sprinting Exercise Protocol

“…The peak of muscle soreness after unaccustomed eccentric exercise can vary during the time course of recovery [ 43 ]. Furthermore, previous evidence demonstrated poor correlations between muscle soreness and other indirect markers of EIMD, raising the concern of whether muscle soreness clearly reflects the magnitude of muscle damage [ 43 , 44 ]. Possible explanations of underlying mechanisms of the muscle soreness after EIMD are structural damage within skeletal muscles rather than only through myofiber due to high mechanical stress loading on the load-bearing capacity of the sarcomere that leads to micro-ruptures inside or near Z-disk [ 45 ].…”

Preventive Assessments and Training for Shoulder Joint Injury

“…The fascia's structural characteristics and sensory ability may cause sensory discomfort after exercise, which is often caused by strenuous and unaccustomed exercise [16]. Fascia is a threedimensional continuation of connecting tissue surrounding the bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels throughout our body [17].…”

Faszien: Was ist übrig von dem Hype?

“…Ultraschallgestützte Studien derselben Arbeitsgruppe untersuchten fasziale Verän derungen beim sogenannten Muskelkater (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Es gelang ihnen zu dokumentieren, dass dieser mit ei ner Verdickung sowie Steifigkeitserhöhung in der faszialen Muskelhülle (Epimysium) der betroffenen Muskelgewebe einhergeht [26]. Möglicherweise etwas verfrüht haben bereits etliche Sporttherapeuten daher be gonnen, den Begriff "Faszienkater" als Zu satzbezeichnung für Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness einzuführen (Abb.…”