Preliminary Investigation on the Effects of Squeeze-Hold Intervention on Muscle Soreness Relief

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs 24-48 hours after exercise and is associated with muscle fiber damage and inflammation. Although various treatments have been proposed, only a few have demonstrated consistent efficacy. This pilot study investigated the immediate effects of squeeze-hold therapy on DOMS using a pneumatic cuff.

Ten healthy collegiate students (mean age: 20.8±1.4 years; body mass index: 22.8±2.2 kg/m²) were recruited. DOMS was induced in the triceps surae using a heel-raise exercise. After 24 hours, a pneumatic cuff was applied to the left lower leg, inflated to 200 mmHg, and maintained for three minutes. Pain was assessed using the Talag scale immediately before, 10 minutes after, and 24 hours after the intervention (48 hours after the DOMS-inducing exercise task). The untreated right leg served as the control. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test (α=0.05).

Muscle soreness was significantly reduced immediately after the intervention on the treated side (p=0.018). However, this analgesic effect was not sustained, and no significant difference was observed 24 hours later.

Squeeze-hold intervention produced a transient analgesic effect when applied 24 hours after DOMS-inducing exercise, likely due to reactive hyperemia and gate control mechanisms. However, soreness recurred as inflammatory mediators continued to be produced. Repeated application during the 24-48-hour period, when CRP remains elevated, may provide more consistent pain relief.