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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Published on: January 22, 2012
MRI T2 mapping and shear wave elastography for identifying main pain generator in delayed-onset muscle soreness:
Congcong Fu1, Yu Xia2, Bingshan Wang1
1Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
Introduction:
The main generator of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is still unknown. This study aimed to clarify the main generator of DOMS.
Methods:
Twelve participants performed eccentric exercise (EE) on lower legs. MRI and ultrasound were used to assess changes of calf muscle and deep fascia before and after EE. These results were then compared to the muscle pain level.
Results:
Compared to baseline, muscle pain peaked at 24-48 h after EE (downstairs 22.25 ± 6.196, 57.917 ± 9.298, F = 291.168, p < 0.01; resting 5.833 ± 1.899, 5.083 ± 2.429, F = 51.678, p < 0.01). Shear wave speed (SWE) of the deep fascia and T2 values of the gastrocnemius muscle and deep fascia all increased and peaked at 48 h after EE (1.960 ± 0.130, F = 22.293; 50.237 ± 2.963, F = 73.172; 66.328 ± 2.968, F = 231.719, respectively, p < 0.01). These measurements were positively correlated with DOMS (downstairs: r = 0.46, 0.76, 0.87, respectively, p < 0.001; resting: r = 0.42, 0.70, 0.77, respectively, p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between SWE and T2 values of deep fascia (r = 0.54, p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
DOMS is a common result of muscle and fascia injuries. Deep fascia edema and stiffness play a crucial role in DOMS, which can be effectively evaluated MR-T2 and SWE.
Critical Relevance Statement:
Delayed-onset muscle soreness is a common result of muscle and deep fascia injuries, in which the edema and stiffness of the deep fascia play a crucial role. Both MRI and shear wave elastography can be effectively used to evaluate soft tissue injuries.
Key Points:
• The deep fascia is the major pain generator of delayed-onset muscle soreness. • There is a significant correlation between fascia injury and delayed-onset muscle soreness. • MRI and shear wave elastography are preferred methods for assessing fascia injuries.
