Effect of Biomedical Hydrogels on Exercise-induced Muscle Damage: A Narrative Review

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a common occurrence among athletes and individuals engaged in physical fitness activities. Muscle strains result from excessive or repetitive muscle tension, leading to tissue damage, inflammation, and pain. These strains can range from mild discomfort to severe damage, resulting in pain, inflammation, and reduced functionality. Effective management of muscle damage is crucial for promoting recovery and returning individuals to their desired level of activity. Conventional treatment modalities such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have limitations in terms of efficacy and long-term outcomes. Consequently, there is a need for innovative approaches that not only address the symptoms but also promote healing and prevention of future injuries. Hydrogels are three-dimensional crosslinked networks of hydrophilic polymers that have gained significant attention in the field of biomedicine. Their unique properties, drug-delivery capabilities, and capacity to provide mechanical support make them promising tools in muscle damage management. Biomedical hydrogels hold significant potential as a preventive or alleviative approach for EIMD. This review provides a comprehensive overview of biomedical hydrogels as a promising approach for preventing and alleviating EIMD, addressing current challenges, and outlining future directions for research and development in the field.