This randomized, double-blind, single-center pilot clinical trial evaluated three interventions for delayed onset muscle soreness in the hamstring muscles. Twenty-nine untrained adults were included. Delayed onset muscle soreness was induced using two eccentric hamstring exercises. Participants were then assigned to one of three groups: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, local cryotherapy, or placebo consisting of water with sugar. The main outcome was pressure pain threshold in the hamstring muscles. Other outcomes included knee range of motion, hamstring strength, pain intensity, perceived exertion, and blood lactate levels. Measurements were taken before the eccentric exercise, 24 hours after exercise before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 48 hours after exercise.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
29
A contract-relax-antagonist-contract proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique was applied to the hamstring muscles. The protocol included isometric hamstring contraction, rest, quadriceps contraction, and passive movement into a deeper hamstring stretch. The protocol was repeated twice on each leg.
Participants were placed in prone position and an ice pack was applied over the hamstring muscles for 20 minutes. A thin cloth was placed between the ice pack and the skin to avoid direct contact.
Participants consumed 200 mL of water with 5 g of dissolved sugar after the eccentric exercise protocol.
Clínica Universitaria Salus Infirmorum, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Change in Pressure Pain Threshold in the Hamstring Muscles
Pressure pain threshold was assessed using a pressure algometer over three points of maximum pain in the hamstring muscles. Three measurements were taken and the mean value was calculated.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after eccentric exercise before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 48 hours after eccentric exercise
Change in Active Knee Range of Motion
Active knee flexion and extension range of motion were assessed using a manual goniometer.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after eccentric exercise before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 48 hours after eccentric exercise
Change in Hamstring Muscle Strength
Maximum hamstring strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after eccentric exercise before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 48 hours after eccentric exercise
Change in Pain Intensity
Pain intensity was assessed using the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity and therefore a worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours after eccentric exercise before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 48 hours after eccentric exercise
Change in Blood Lactate Concentration
Blood lactate concentration was measured using a Lactate Edge device.
Time frame: Before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 48 hours after exercise
Perceived Exertion After Eccentric Exercise
Perceived exertion was assessed using the Modified Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale after completion of the eccentric exercise protocol. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no exertion and 10 indicates maximal exertion. Higher scores indicate greater perceived exertion and therefore a worse outcome.
Time frame: Immediately after eccentric exercise
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.