Comparing the effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) and three conventional treatment approaches for biceps brachii muscle in exercise-induced delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS): a protocol for a randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is a typical physiological response to unaccustomed intense exercise, characterised by pain, stiffness and reduced muscle function. DOMS is often impacting an individual's physical performance and overall well-being. For the effective management of DOMS, physiotherapy is a better option rather than analgesics or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. A research gap on radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT), myofascial release (MFR), cryotherapy, etc, has an individual and unique effect on early pain reduction and functional improvement. An assessor and participants-blinded randomised clinical trial (RCT) will be used for the investigation. On the participants, DOMS will be induced for research purposes. Three groups will receive rESWT, MFR and stretching combined with cryotherapy. After DOMS is induced, the treatment will be given once daily for 0-48 hours (three times in 3 days). Each group will include 40 students, and the research will measure how rESWT, MFR, cryotherapy and stretching affect pain alleviation before treatment (pretest), immediately after treatment (post-test-1), 24 hours later (post-test-2), 48 hours later (post-test-3) and 72 hours later (post-test-4). The outcome metric will be pain intensity and range of motion measured by pressure algometry and inclinometer. The Ethical Review Committee of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) has granted ethical approval. The research will adhere to the ethical principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration. The study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated with stakeholders through conferences and seminars. Trial registration number: CTRI/2023/08/056649.

Keywords: DOMS; Exercises; Muscle damage/injuries; Physiotherapy; Sports & exercise medicine.