Related Experiment Videos
Prophylactic tolperisone for post-exercise muscle soreness causes reduced isometric force--a double-blind randomized
Prem Bajaj1, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Pascal Madeleine
1Laboratory for Experimental Pain Research, Centre for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Fredrick Bajers VEJ 7 D3, Aalborg University, Denmark DK-9220. pba@smi.auc.dk
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|August 26, 2003
Summary
Prophylactic use of tolperisone hydrochloride did not relieve post-exercise muscle soreness in healthy volunteers. This muscle relaxant, however, led to a reduction in isometric force, suggesting potential drawbacks for athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Centrally acting muscle relaxants, like tolperisone hydrochloride, are used for muscle spasms.
- The spasm theory of exercise pain suggests muscle relaxation might alleviate post-exercise muscle soreness (PEMS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prophylactic effect of tolperisone hydrochloride on PEMS.
- To evaluate its impact on pain perception, physical function, and muscle activity after eccentric exercise.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 20 male volunteers.
- Participants received tolperisone hydrochloride (150 mg TID) or placebo for 8 days.
- Assessments included pressure pain threshold, pain scores, range of motion, isometric force, and EMG after eccentric exercise.
Main Results:
- Tolperisone hydrochloride did not significantly alter pain scores or pressure pain thresholds compared to placebo.
- Isometric force showed a greater reduction following tolperisone hydrochloride treatment post-exercise.
- Electromyography (EMG) root mean square (RMS) amplitude decreased immediately post-exercise and increased at 24 and 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Prophylactic tolperisone hydrochloride does not alleviate PEMS in healthy individuals.
- The drug may negatively impact muscle force production, potentially hindering recovery or performance.