Comparison of Heat and Cold Therapy and Exercise Treatment on Exercised Induced DOMS: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is usually caused by repeated exposure to eccentric muscle contraction or unfamiliar exercises. Eccentric exercise causes muscle cells damage leading to loss of muscle strength, increase muscle pain, muscle weakness, stiffness and swelling resulting in decreased physical performance and psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects between heat and cold therapy and exercise on DOMS symptoms and functional capacity. Twelve healthy male participants were divided into two groups: Heat and Cold therapy (HCT) group (6 persons) and Exercise (E) group (6 persons). The experiment was performed on 2 times included postinduced DOMS and after getting recovery treatment. This study found that pain was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in both groups but not significantly different between-group comparison. Conclusion, HTC therapy and E treatment could decrease immediate muscle pain after induced DOMS, And may be a guideline for further studies and additional experiments. Keywords— DOMS, Heat therapy, Cold therapy