The respiratory response to passive and active arm movements is enhanced in delayed onset muscle soreness

Abstract

We previously reported that ventilatory response at the onset of light leg exercise was augmented in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after eccentric exercise (ECC) utilizing the leg. In this study, we examined whether the same result would appear in light exercise in which an arm with DOMS was utilized. Eleven subjects performed ECC using one arm, and we measured ventilatory responses to a 20-s single-arm extension-flexion exercise and to passive movement (PAS) before and 2 days after ECC (D2). We found that ventilatory response to both the exercise and PAS in which all subjects perceived DOMS was augmented at D2. It was concluded that initial hyperpnea, which occurred during arm exercise in DOMS, was enhanced, and from examining the result of PAS, enhanced initial exercise hyperpnea may be due in part to an exaggerated peripheral neural reflex.

Mechanism and implications of hyperpnea exaggeration at the onset of exercise in mechanical hyperalgesia after eccentric exercise

“…Therefore, we do not contradict the participation of neurogenic drive since the subjects in the current study (Fig. 3) and our previous studies were awake humans [16][17][18] ; but, it is likely that the neurogenic drive induced by DOMS sensation and/or discomfort from DOMS is not the primary cause of exaggeration in phase I ventilatory response after ECC (Fig. 2, 4-1-[3]).…”

“…Additionally, the degree of exaggeration in the phase I ventilatory response from before ECC (Pre) to D2 was not significantly different from PAS (the muscle mechanoreflex) to exercise (muscle mechanoreflex + central command) 18) . If central command is related to the exaggeration in phase I response at D2, the rate of increase from Pre to D2 during exercise should have been significantly higher than that of PAS 18) . Furthermore, the initial ventilatory response was still exaggerated at D2 even though the exercise load and effort sense were reduced in accordance with the degree of loss of muscle strength to lower the effect of putative increased central command 35) .…”

“…2, 1-[2]) 35) . However, passive movement (PAS), which was used to uncouple the muscle mechanoreflex from central command, exaggerated the phase I ventilatory response at D2 18) . Additionally, the degree of exaggeration in the phase I ventilatory response from before ECC (Pre) to D2 was not significantly different from PAS (the muscle mechanoreflex) to exercise (muscle mechanoreflex + central command) 18) .…”

“…However, passive movement (PAS), which was used to uncouple the muscle mechanoreflex from central command, exaggerated the phase I ventilatory response at D2 18) . Additionally, the degree of exaggeration in the phase I ventilatory response from before ECC (Pre) to D2 was not significantly different from PAS (the muscle mechanoreflex) to exercise (muscle mechanoreflex + central command) 18) . If central command is related to the exaggeration in phase I response at D2, the rate of increase from Pre to D2 during exercise should have been significantly higher than that of PAS 18) .…”

“…Phase I ventilatory response has also been reported to be exaggerated 2 days after ECC (D2) [16][17][18] , suggesting that at least ECC-induced changes in neural adjustment are involved in the augmentation of ventilatory response. However, the neural mechanisms and implications of this *Correspondence: horinori@isc.chubu.ac.jp phenomenon have not been clarified.…”