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PNF Versus Cryotherapy in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Sponsor: Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
Summary
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.
Official title: Efficacy of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Versus Cryotherapy and Placebo on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
29
Start Date
2025-01-01
Completion Date
2025-04-30
Last Updated
2026-06-03
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
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.
Local Cryotherapy
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.
Placebo: Water With Sugar
Participants consumed 200 mL of water with 5 g of dissolved sugar after the eccentric exercise protocol.
Locations (1)
Clínica Universitaria Salus Infirmorum, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
Madrid, Madrid, Spain