Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), Muscle Soreness, Myalgia
Conditions
Keywords
Myofascial Release, IASTM, DOMS, Neck Disability, Cervical ROM
Brief summary
The current study is a randomized controlled trail comparing the effectiveness of IASTM and Myofascial Release for individuals with DOMS at cervicothoracic region. The trail aims to evaluate improvements in pain, ROM, and neck disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specific duration. The primary outcomes is pain reduction, while the secondary outcomes include improved disability level and ROM. To conclude, IASTM demonstrated a significantly higher improvement compared to MFR in acute cervicothoracic DOMS in terms of pain, disability level, and ROM in all directions tested in adults.
Detailed description
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a physiological condition that develops in the course of time after strenuous unaccustomed physical exertion. In particular, DOMS occurs mostly in response to eccentric muscle actions, i.e., when muscle fibers lengthen while still performing work. Examples of eccentric actions may be, among others, lowering the load (weight training), downhill running, decelerating movements, and controlled return phase of resistance exercise (1). Unlike most types of physiological phenomena, DOMS usually develops after some period of time. Typically, it appears 12-24 hours after the workout and reaches its peak in 24-72 hours; afterwards, it will subside gradually over several days. DOMS is considered a normal adaptation reaction of the muscle. However, despite being physiologically beneficial and helping to adapt skeletal muscles to subsequent exercises through repeated bout phenomenon, DOMS may lead to considerable discomfort and even affect a person's quality of life. As the result of damage of muscle fibers and adjacent connective tissue in response to unaccustomed mechanical load, inflammatory reaction, swelling, and stimulation of pain receptors occurs. These processes are responsible for characteristic soreness associated with DOMS, which may impair individual's ability to perform certain activities and exercise. The randomization process took place after participants were screened and underwent baseline assessment. Then, those who met the criteria were randomly allocated to Group A and Group B. Those patients in Group A were assigned to receive Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, whereas those participants who belonged to Group B were subjected to Myofascial Release. Random allocation was performed by a computer and carried out through opaque sealed envelopes opened by an independent individual.
Interventions
PROCEDUREIASTM
The participants in this group were given the Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). They were rubbed with a very small amount of gel or lotion to allow easy mobilization of the tool over the skin. The instrument has been developed to treat conditions of the cervical-thoracic joint region. The instrument was applied over the upper trapezius muscle and the cervicothoracic joint region using controlled unidirectional strokes for 8-10 minutes each day with moderate pressure. The process was done once every day for 2-3 days after the occurrence of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
PROCEDUREMFR
Group B: Myofascial Release Those who fell under Group B were subjected to myofascial release. The physiotherapist used hands to apply slow and gentle pressure on the tissues that needed release. Fascia and muscles of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and cervicothoracic paraspinal muscles were applied pressure on until there was release of the
Sponsors
Green International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The study uses a single masking in which the outcome assessor is blinded to group allocation. Participants will be assigned to either the IASTM group or the Myofascial Release group by an independent researcher who is not involved in the assessment. The assessor responsible for recording baseline and post intervention outcomes ( VAS, NDI, Universal goniometer) will not be informed of the participants intervention group. To maintain blinding, participants will be instructed not to disclose their group assignment during assessments.
Intervention model description
This study uses a randomized, parallel-group design in which participants diagnosed with DOMS at cervicothoracic region are assigned into one of two intervention arms. Participants randomly allocated to either ( 1) IASTM or Myofascial Release alone. Before the baseline assessment was conducted on them, no form of treatment has been done on the participants. Participants were asked not to engage in any form of therapy or take medication throughout the study period. The interventions will be delivered over a 4 week period, and the outcomes will be compared between groups to evaluate the effects IASTM and MFR.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
30 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Participants aged between 30 and 40 years. * Individuals presenting with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the cervicothoracic region. * Willingness to participate in either the IASTM or myofascial release intervention protocols. * Ability to understand and sign the informed consent form.
Exclusion criteria
* History of recent cervical or thoracic spine surgery, fractures, or severe trauma in the region. * Presence of open wounds, active skin infections, or severe dermatological conditions in the cervicothoracic area where interventions will be applied. * Diagnosed neurological deficits, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy. * Known contraindications to soft tissue mobilization or manual therapy (e.g., severe osteoporosis, bleeding disorders, or anticoagulant use). * Current use of muscle relaxants, heavy analgesics, or NSAIDs that could mask DOMS symptoms during the study period.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain | Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours. | The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a 100 mm continuous line used to self-report cervicothoracic pain intensity. The scale ranges from 0 mm (indicating "no pain") to 100 mm (indicating "worst imaginable pain"). Participants mark a point on the line that represents their current pain perception at rest and during active movement. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) | Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours. | Active cervical range of motion will be measured in degrees using a digital inclinometer or a cervical range of motion instrument. Movement planes will include cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion (left and right), and rotation (left and right). Decreased ranges indicate higher functional restriction due to muscle soreness. |
| Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) | Baseline (pre-induction), Post-DOMS induction (24 hours), 48 hours, and 72 hours. | Pressure pain threshold will be measured in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm²) using a digital hand-held pressure algometer applied over standardized trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. PPT determines the minimum pressure at which a sensation of pressure changes to pain. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORIqra Majeed Principal Investigator
Green International University, Lahore, Punjab
Outcome results
None listed