This study compares the effect of dry cupping to placebo cupping after muscle-damaging exercise on recovery of muscle strength, muscle swelling, and muscle soreness.
Dry cupping is a technique where cups are placed on the skin and a suction device is used to remove air from the cups. This study aims to investigate whether dry cupping therapy can enhance muscle recovery following exercise by measuring muscle soreness, swelling, and strength in the biceps. Six sets of biceps curls (emphasizing concentric and eccentric overload) will be performed on each arm, followed by dry cupping with suction applied to one arm (experimental) and dry cupping without suction (placebo) applied to the opposite arm. Experimental and placebo arms for each participant will be randomized. Before exercise and immediately, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after exercise, muscle strength, muscle swelling (ultrasound), and muscle soreness (visual analog scale) will be assessed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
10
Dry cupping with suction applied to the biceps
Dry cupping without suction applied to the biceps
College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
RECRUITINGBiceps isometric strength measured by dynamometry (Nm)
Time frame: Change over 72 hours
Biceps swelling (muscle thickness) measured with ultrasound (cm)
Time frame: Change over 24 hours
Biceps muscle soreness measured with a visual analog scale from 0 (no soreness) to 10 (maximal soreness)
Time frame: Change over 72 hours
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