Advances in Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) - Part II: Treatment and Prevention

Abstract

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) describes an entity of ultrastructural muscle damage. The manifestation of DOMS is caused by eccentric muscle contractions or unaccustomed forms of exercise. Clinical signs include impaired muscular force capacities, painful restriction of movement, stiffness, swelling, and altered biomechanics in adjacent joints. Although DOMS is categorised as a mild type of muscle damage, it is one of the most common reasons for compromised sportive performance. In the last decade, many hypotheses have been developed to explain the aetiology of DOMS, and there are a wide range of different interventions aiming to prevent or alleviate the symptoms. Many studies have evaluated various types of cold or heat therapy, compression, massage, physical therapy or nutritional interventions. Treatment considerations focus on the primary prevention of ultrastructural lesions during exercise, the treatment of the inflammatory response that leads to DOMS, and recovery strategies for manifest DOMS. This narrative review aims to present an overview of the current treatment and preventive strategies in the field of DOMS.