Considerations on combating delayed onset muscle soreness

Abstract

Ice water immersion is a possible treatment of the delayed onset muscle soreness. In this paper we intend to evaluate how delayed onset muscle soreness affects muscle strength, during evolution and immediately after remission, while being treated by cryotherapy. Research was conducted on junior football players. Muscle strength indices were evaluated using Squat Jump, Jump Countermovement, Free Jump, 60 ˝ Free Jump tests. There were statistically significant changes in 48 hours, or 6 days, compared to the initial measurements; the recovery of muscle strength is reduced after 6 days when treated group was compared to the control one. After applying the Squat Jump test, the values obtained by the control group at 48 hours were lower, fact which contributes at the conclusion that ice water immersion is a symptomatic therapy of delayed onset muscle soreness, indicated for short-term recovery.