Clinical Research Directory

Photobiomodulation on NMES-Induced Muscle Fatigue and Damage

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is effective for strength training and rehabilitation, but non-selective motor unit recruitment often induces rapid fatigue, discomfort, and muscle damage. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been proposed to attenuate muscle fatigue and accelerate recovery, yet evidence regarding its acute prophylactic effects against NMES-induced fatigue remains limited. This randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled crossover pilot trial evaluates the acute effects of pre-exercise PBMT on knee extensor neuromuscular fatigability, muscle damage, discomfort, and functional recovery following a standardized NMES fatigue protocol in healthy adults.

Curcumin Versus Ibuprofen for Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Physically Active Women

xercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a common consequence of unaccustomed or high-intensity exercise and is characterized by muscle soreness, impaired physical performance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased circulating biomarkers of muscle damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are frequently used to alleviate these symptoms, although their repeated use may be associated with adverse effects. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a potential nutritional strategy to support post-exercise recovery. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to compare the effects of oral curcumin supplementation and ibuprofen administration on exercise-induced muscle damage in physically active women. The study evaluates clinical outcomes, physical performance, biomarkers of muscle damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and other health-related biomarkers to determine whether curcumin may represent a safe and effective nutritional alternative for promoting recovery after eccentric exercise.

Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Taping and Graston Application in Individuals With Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is characterized by pain, stiffness, and discomfort that typically develop 24-72 hours after unaccustomed or intense physical activity. Previous studies suggest that both Kinesio taping and the Graston technique may help reduce DOMS-related symptoms. However, these two approaches have not been directly compared, and their effects on muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the short-term effects of Kinesio taping and the Graston technique in healthy participants with exercise-induced DOMS. A total of 36 participants were randomly allocated to three groups: a Kinesio taping group, a Graston technique group, and a control group that received no therapeutic intervention and recovered naturally. Pain severity, muscle oxygen saturation, peak squat force, and lower-extremity response time were assessed 0h after the DOMS-induction protocol, before the interventions, and again 48 hours after the DOMS-induction protocol, corresponding to 48 hours after the interventions were initiated.

Real-world Evidence of Cannabinoid for Observed Pain Relief

Chronic muscle pain is one of the most prevalent clinical challenges in sports medicine, significantly affecting training capacity, competitive performance, and quality of life in athletes. The endocannabinoid system has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for pain modulation in the sports context. This prospective, comparative, non-randomized observational study aims to evaluate whether adjuvant topical application of a cannabinoid balm (CBD:THC 3:1 - Papa \& Barkley) provides additional reduction in chronic muscle pain intensity in athletes, compared to systemic CBD oil alone, over 90 days of follow-up in a real-world clinical practice setting. Sixty adult athletes (amateur or professional) with established chronic muscle pain (≥3 months) who receive clinical indication for cannabinoid therapy will be followed in two observational cohorts: Cohort A (n=30), receiving only systemic CBD oil (60 mg/day oral/sublingual), and Cohort B, (n=30) receiving systemic CBD oil plus the topical cannabinoid balm (CBD:THC 3:1, applied twice daily to the affected muscle area). Treatment allocation is based exclusively on the clinical decision of the principal investigator, reflecting routine medical practice. The primary outcome is the change in Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) scores from baseline (D0) to end of follow-up (D90). Secondary outcomes include pain intensity (NRS), sleep quality (PSQI), quality of life (SF-36), perceived muscle recovery (TQR scale), functional capacity (LEFS/UEFI), rescue analgesic use, and safety/tolerability of the topical formulation. The study aims to generate real-world evidence on the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant topical cannabinoid therapy in athletes with chronic muscle pain in the Brazilian clinical practice setting.

Isometric Exercise for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether isometric exercise can improve recovery following experimentally induced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in healthy young adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does isometric exercise reduce pain associated with delayed onset muscle soreness? * Does isometric exercise improve pressure pain threshold, knee joint range of motion, muscle strength, and recovery following delayed onset muscle soreness? Researchers will compare participants performing an isometric exercise program with a control group receiving no intervention to determine whether isometric exercise improves recovery after experimentally induced DOMS. Participants will: * Undergo a standardized exercise protocol to induce delayed onset muscle soreness. * Be randomly assigned to either an isometric exercise group or a control group. * Complete assessments of pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, knee range of motion, muscle strength, and thigh circumference. * Be evaluated before exercise, immediately after exercise, and on Days 1, 3, and 5 following DOMS induction.

PNF Versus Cryotherapy in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

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.

Effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Myofascial Release in Reducing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in the Cervicothoracic Region

The current study is a randomized controlled trail comparing the effectiveness of IASTM and Myofascial Release for individuals with DOMS at cervicothoracic region. The trail aims to evaluate improvements in pain, ROM, and neck disability. Interventions will be delivered twice weekly for a specific duration. The primary outcomes is pain reduction, while the secondary outcomes include improved disability level and ROM. To conclude, IASTM demonstrated a significantly higher improvement compared to MFR in acute cervicothoracic DOMS in terms of pain, disability level, and ROM in all directions tested in adults.

Effects of a 5-Week Probiotic Supplementation Intervention on Markers of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how probiotic supplementation (PS) influences post-exercise recovery in healthy, physically active young adults. Researchers aim to determine if the Lactobacillus casei probiotic strain reduces symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) based on perceived muscle soreness, pressure pain threshold, and power output following exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD).

Walk It Off! the Influence of Physical Activity Level on the Recovery from Damaging Resistance Exercise

After completing novel activity or exercise we may experience exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), resulting in a period of reduced muscle function and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS is characterized by muscle pain and tenderness that typically resolves within a week. While the precise cause of DOMS is unknown, there is growing evidence implicating damage to the connective tissue that surrounds our muscle fibers and is related to a small amount of inflammation. This inflammation is a normal part of our body's ability to recovery from injuries and may be visualized through the use of ultrasound technology. A variety of recovery techniques have been proposed that may help with the recovery of DOMS such as massage and electrical muscle stimulation, but these are not always accessible. Therefore, we are interested in investigating whether the number of daily steps can affect how you experience DOMS.