[Acute effects of eccentric work on a bicycle ergometer].

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Context:

• Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common response to strenuous exercise.
• Understanding DOMS dynamics is crucial for optimizing training and recovery protocols.
• Previous research has explored DOMS causes, but its temporal progression under varied testing conditions requires further elucidation.

Purpose:

• To investigate the temporal dynamics of delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) following exercise.
• To compare DOMS development using active (multi-joint, single-joint) and passive testing methods.
• To explore the relationship between relative tension and DOMS, and the influence of exercise volume on DOMS.

Summary:

• Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) was assessed using three methods: active knee extension, active multi-joint movement (simulating stair descent), and passive pressure on the vastus lateralis.
• Maximum DOMS occurred 1-3 days post-exercise with active testing, showing no significant differences between exercise conditions.
• Passive testing indicated a slower onset and resolution of DOMS. A positive correlation was observed between relative tension (strength decrease during recovery) and DOMS severity. Exercise volume did not correlate with DOMS.

Impact:

• This study provides insights into the differential manifestation of DOMS based on testing methodology.
• Findings suggest that active testing methods may capture the peak DOMS response more rapidly.
• The correlation between relative tension and DOMS highlights its potential as a biomarker for muscle damage and recovery status.