Effect of microcurrent stimulation on delayed-onset muscle soreness: a double-blind comparison

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common condition resulting from strenuous exercise, causing pain and reduced range of motion (ROM).
• Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation (MENS) is a therapeutic modality used to manage pain and improve function.
• The efficacy of MENS for DOMS-related symptoms requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of MENS treatment in alleviating pain and restoring ROM in individuals experiencing DOMS.
• To compare the outcomes of MENS treatment against a sham treatment in a controlled study.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen subjects with induced DOMS in the biceps brachii were randomly assigned to either a MENS group or a sham group.
• The MENS group received a specific MENS protocol (200 μA, 30 Hz for 10 min, then 100 μA, 0.3 Hz for 10 min) at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-induction.
• Pain was assessed using a graphic rating scale and ROM via goniometry, with measurements taken before and after each treatment session.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were observed in subjective pain scores between the MENS and sham groups.
• Active elbow extension range of motion (ROM) did not show significant improvement in the MENS group compared to the sham group.
• The study found no discernible benefit of MENS over sham treatment for the measured outcomes of pain and ROM in DOMS.

Conclusions:

• The MENS treatment, under the specific parameters utilized in this study, did not demonstrate efficacy in reducing pain associated with DOMS.
• The application of MENS did not lead to a significant improvement in range of motion for individuals suffering from delayed-onset muscle soreness.
• Further research may be needed to explore different MENS parameters or alternative therapeutic approaches for managing DOMS symptoms.