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Relationship between muscle swelling and stiffness after eccentric exercise
G S Chleboun1, J N Howell, R R Conatser
1Ohio University School of Physical Therapy, Athens, USA. gchleboun1@ohiou.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|May 5, 1998
Summary
Muscle swelling does not explain immediate post-exercise stiffness. However, muscle swelling may contribute to the prolonged increase in stiffness observed in elbow flexor muscles days after eccentric exercise.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Eccentric exercise can lead to muscle damage, inflammation, and altered mechanical properties.
- Understanding the relationship between muscle swelling and stiffness is crucial for recovery and injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal relationship between muscle compartmental swelling and passive stiffness following eccentric exercise.
- To determine if muscle swelling accounts for the observed increases in muscle stiffness.
Main Methods:
- Eleven untrained female college students performed eccentric exercise targeting elbow flexors.
- Muscle compartment volume (ultrasound) and passive stiffness (torque measurements) were assessed pre-exercise and up to 11 days post-exercise.
Main Results:
- Muscle compartment volume peaked at 26.1% on day 4 post-exercise.
- Muscle stiffness increased by 59.9% immediately post-exercise and remained elevated for 7-11 days.
Conclusions:
- Muscle swelling does not explain the acute increase in stiffness within 48 hours post-exercise.
- Muscle swelling may contribute to the sustained elevation of stiffness in the later stages of recovery.