Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
DOMS is most commonly associated with muscle soreness during movement or when touched (Clarkson, Nosaka & Braun, 1992). However, the level of soreness is not a clear indicator of muscle function (Nosaka, Newton & Sacco, 2002). As previously stated, although the cause of DOMS is still not fully understood, a number of theories suggest connective tissue damage (Asmussen, 1956) and muscle tissue damage to be the most likely contributors (Cleak & Eston, 1992). This concurs with modern medical imagery showing myofibrillar damage and the presence of intramuscular proteins in the bloodstream. Empirical assumptions that lactic acid accumulation contributes to DOMS is incorrect.
DOMS occurs mainly with eccentric training, but is also seen during high volume resistance training programmes due to increased stresses on muscle and connective tissues. The high eccentric component of game sports, such as rapid deceleration, turning, and landing from jumps can also contribute. |
The Repeated Bout Effect (RBE)
The repeated bout effect (RBE) is a protective adaptation to a single bout of eccentric exercise of 2-10 maximal contractions (Clarkson & Hubal, 2002; McHugh, 2003). The protective effect occurs immediately and can last for up to 6 months. This tells us that it is possible to minimise negative effects associated with EIMD with effective programming. McHugh (2003) proposed a summary of the RBE which suggests mechanical, cellular and neural adaptations occur. However, although the phenomenon is accepted and the magnitude of damage is never the same for follow up bouts of exercise, there is still no definitive answer to the mechanisms behind the RBE.