Clinical Research Directory

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.