The Prevention and Treatment of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

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The below may be of interest:

The Prevention and Treatment of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage.

Sports Med. 2008;38(6):483-503.

Howatson G, van Someren KA.

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) can be caused by novel or

unaccustomed exercise and results in a temporary decrease in muscle

force production, a rise in passive tension, increased muscle

soreness and swelling, and an increase in intramuscular proteins in

blood. Consequently, EIMD can have a profound effect on the ability

to perform subsequent bouts of exercise and therefore adhere to an

exercise training programme.

A variety of interventions have been used prophylactically and/or

therapeutically in an attempt to reduce the negative effects

associated with EIMD. This article focuses on some of the most

commonly used strategies, including nutritional and pharmacological

strategies, electrical and manual therapies and exercise. Long-term

supplementation with antioxidants or beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate

appears to provide a prophylactic effect in reducing EIMD, as does

the ingestion of protein before and following exercise. Although the

administration of high-dose NSAIDs may reduce EIMD and muscle

soreness, it also attenuates the adaptive processes and should

therefore not be prescribed for long-term treatment of EIMD. Whilst

there is some evidence that stretching and massage may reduce muscle

soreness, there is little evidence indicating any performance

benefits. Electrical therapies and cryotherapy offer limited effect

in the treatment of EIMD; however, inconsistencies in the dose and

frequency of these and other interventions may account for the lack

of consensus regarding their efficacy. Both as a cause and a

consequence of this, there are very few evidence-based guidelines for

the application of many of these interventions.

Conversely, there is unequivocal evidence that prior bouts of

eccentric exercise provide a protective effect against subsequent

bouts of potentially damaging exercise. Further research is warranted

to elucidate the most appropriate dose and frequency of interventions

to attenuate EIMD and if these interventions attenuate the adaptation

process. This will both clarify the efficacy of such strategies and

provide guidelines for evidence-based practice.

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Carruthers

Wakefield, UK