Muscle Damage
Conditions
Brief summary
This study compares the effect of dry cupping to placebo cupping after muscle-damaging exercise on recovery of muscle strength, muscle swelling, and muscle soreness.
Detailed description
Dry cupping is a technique where cups are placed on the skin and a suction device is used to remove air from the cups. This study aims to investigate whether dry cupping therapy can enhance muscle recovery following exercise by measuring muscle soreness, swelling, and strength in the biceps. Six sets of biceps curls (emphasizing concentric and eccentric overload) will be performed on each arm, followed by dry cupping with suction applied to one arm (experimental) and dry cupping without suction (placebo) applied to the opposite arm. Experimental and placebo arms for each participant will be randomized. Before exercise and immediately, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after exercise, muscle strength, muscle swelling (ultrasound), and muscle soreness (visual analog scale) will be assessed.
Interventions
PROCEDUREDry cupping with suction
Dry cupping with suction applied to the biceps
PROCEDUREDry cupping without suction
Dry cupping without suction applied to the biceps
Sponsors
University of Saskatchewan
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male or female * 18-35 years old * Experienced with upper arm resistance training for at least 3 months
Exclusion criteria
* Conditions that might make exercise dangerous (determined by "yes" answers to the "Get Active Questionnaire") * Open wounds, scars, eczema, or other skin sensitivities on the biceps area
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Biceps isometric strength measured by dynamometry (Nm) | Change over 72 hours |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Biceps swelling (muscle thickness) measured with ultrasound (cm) | Change over 24 hours |
| Biceps muscle soreness measured with a visual analog scale from 0 (no soreness) to 10 (maximal soreness) | Change over 72 hours |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed