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Training Load and Current Soreness Predict Future Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Collegiate Female Soccer Athletes
Brett S Pexa1, Christopher J Johnston2, Jeffrey B Taylor3
1Athletic Training High Point University.
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
|December 5, 2023
Summary
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in female soccer players can be predicted by training load metrics. Decelerations, high heart rate (HRmax) minutes, and distance best predict future DOMS. This aids in managing athlete recovery and performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) results from muscle stress due to excessive musculoskeletal loads.
- Wearable devices can measure training loads, but research on specific metrics correlating with DOMS is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how training load variables predict lower extremity DOMS in female collegiate soccer athletes over a season.
- To identify key training load metrics associated with DOMS development.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 27 female collegiate soccer athletes.
- Athletes self-reported lower extremity DOMS daily.
- Training load data collected using Polar heart rate and GPS monitors.
- Pearson correlations and linear mixed models analyzed relationships between training load and DOMS.
Main Results:
- All training load variables significantly predicted changes in DOMS.
- Number of decelerations (ρ=0.72), minutes at >80% HRmax (ρ=0.71), and distance (ρ=0.70) showed the strongest correlations.
- Linear mixed models indicated significant prediction of future DOMS by training load and current DOMS, with decelerations, HRmax, and accelerations being key predictors.
Conclusions:
- Training load metrics, combined with current DOMS levels, significantly predict future lower extremity DOMS in female soccer players.
- Decelerations, accelerations, and HRmax are particularly strong predictors.
- Future research should explore objective measures like strength or jump kinetics to further validate these findings.
