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Background: Capsaicin, known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, may mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation associated with exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). This study evaluates the efficacy of capsaicin supplementation in reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and enhancing strength and power in collegiate male futsal players. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design was used. Twelve male futsal players participated in three testing sessions: baseline (BL), followed by capsaicin (12 mg) or placebo (PLA), with a 7-day washout period. Participants consumed the supplement 45 min before completing an EIMD protocol of 200 plyometric jumps with a 10% body-weight vest. Metrics including vertical jump height (VJH), pressure pain threshold (PPT), thigh circumference (TCM), and isokinetic and isometric strengths were assessed 48 h post-EIMD. DOMS was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and 12, 24, and 48 h post-EIMD. Results: Capsaicin supplementation significantly improved VJH (p = 0.009), PPT (p = 0.004), and reduced TCM (p = 0.015) compared to baseline, with superior performance in PPT and TCM reduction (p < 0.05). Capsaicin also significantly decreased VAS scores for DOMS immediately, 12, 24, and 48 h post-EIMD (p < 0.001) compared to PLA and BL. No significant differences were found in isokinetic and isometric strength metrics (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Acute capsaicin supplementation can mitigate DOMS and enhance performance markers such as VJH and PPT in collegiate futsal players. Its benefits suggest a viable nutritional strategy for recovery and performance optimization in high-intensity sports.

Background: Adequate nutrition is crucial for athletes to enhance performance and recovery. This study investigates the acute effects of omega-3 and whey protein supplementation before and after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) on lower-body strength, explosive power, and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in female futsal players. Method: A randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involved 15 female futsal players (Age: 22.93 ± 0.54 years; Height: 159.60 ± 1.16 cm; Weight: 56.95 ± 1.79 kg). Participants completed three conditions: pre-EIMD (1000 mg fish oil, 30 g whey protein, 2 h before EIMD), post-EIMD (same supplementation, within 2 h after EIMD), and placebo (PLA, 2 g starch). EIMD involved 200 vertical jumps with 15% body-weighted vests. Metrics including Sargent jump height (VJH), thigh swelling (Sw-T), pressure pain threshold (PPT), V-sit and reach flexibility test (VSFT), range of motion (ROM), relative peak torque (RPT), average power (AP), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were recorded 48 h post-EIMD. DOMS was assessed via a visual analog scale (VAS) multiple times. A one-week washout period was employed. Results: Pre-EIMD supplementation significantly increased VJH (p = 0.001) compared to PLA and Post-EIMD (p = 0.033). MVIC45° improved significantly in Pre-EIMD vs. PLA (p = 0.001). Improvements were observed in muscle strength metrics, with significant increases in APflx60°/s (pre-EIMD vs. PLA, p = 0.001; pre-EIMD vs. post-EIMD, p = 0.008), APext60°/s (Pre-EIMD vs. PLA, p = 0.030), and APext180°/s (Post-EIMD vs. PLA, p = 0.023). DOMS was lower in both Pre-EIMD and Post-EIMD conditions immediately and at 12 h post-EIMD (p = 0.009; p = 0.030) than PLA. No significant differences were found in Sw-T, PPT, VSFT, ROM, or APflx180°/s. Conclusions: Acute omega-3 and whey protein supplementation, particularly before EIMD, improves strength and power and reduces DOMS in female futsal players. Supplement timing may be critical for optimizing recovery and performance in high-demand sports.

Muscle recovery is a critical factor in optimizing athletic performance, as well as in clinical and rehabilitation settings. A range of biochemical markers, functional, and perceptual measures are used to assess both exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This scoping review aims to evaluate the applicability of these assessment methods by examining their cost, complexity, accessibility, accuracy, and degree of innovation. A total of 1,324 articles were identified using relevant keywords during an initial search in Web of Science (n = 616) and Scopus (n = 698) databases. No strict quality assessment protocol was applied as the present study focused on emerging EIMD markers, sample size adequacy, relevance, and methodological clarity. After removing duplicates and applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 34 articles were selected for detailed analysis. While subjective measures are simple and non-invasive, their lack of accuracy limits their effectiveness. Biochemical markers such as creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, and cytokines provide precision but are costly and often impractical in low-resource settings. Imaging and molecular techniques deliver high accuracy but involve complex, laboratory-based procedures. Functional tests like counter movement jumps, limb circumference measurements, and pain pressure threshold offer a balance between cost and applicability. The review indicates that the subjective measures such as visual analogue scale and functional test like counter movement jump, limb circumferences and pain pressure threshold are ideal methods for EIMD assessment with some limitations. The review also emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to EIMD quantification.

Self-administered massage interventions with a roller massager are commonly used as part of warm-ups and post-workout recovery routines. There is yet no clear consensus regarding the practical guidelines for efficient embedded interventions. The present randomized crossover pilot trial aimed at examining the effects of a rolling intervention with a roller massager embedded within the rests periods of a resistance training protocol. The rolling intervention targeted quadriceps muscles. Participants (n = 14) performed two resistance training protocols expected to elicit momentary muscle failure. The protocol consisted in 10 sets of 10 rest-pause repetitions of back squats, with a poundage set up at 50% of the maximal one-repetition. Two min were allocated to recovery between sets. During the recovery periods, participants completed a rolling routine with a roller massager for 60 s (Roller-massager), or underwent passive recovery (Control). The total workload, concentric power, thigh circumference rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) from 24 h to 120 h after completion of the protocol were the dependent variables. Roller-massager was associated with a reduction in total workload (-11.6%), concentric power (-5.1%) and an increase in perceived exertion compared to Control (p < 0.05). Roller-massager was also associated with reduced thigh circumference after the resistance training protocol, indicating reduced muscle swelling, and reduced DOMS 24 h to 120 h post-workout (p < 0.001). These findings support that embedded rolling with a roller massager hinders performance and increases effort perception. Embedded interventions may not be suitable during conditioning periods designed to maximize training intensity.

Background Both Kinesio Tape (KT) and Compression Sleeves (CS) can relieve Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) to a certain extent, but there is no study report on the difference in the effectiveness of the KT and CS whether the effect is better when used at the same time. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of KT and CS on the recovery of muscle soreness, isokinetic strength, and body fatigue after DOMS. Methods In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 32 participants aged 18 to 24 years were randomly divided into Control group (CG), Compression Sleeves group (CSG), Kinesio Tape group (KTG), Compression Sleeves and Kinesio Tape group (CSKTG), between October 2021 and January 2022. KTG uses Kinesio Tape, CSG wears Compression Sleeves, and CSKTG uses both Compression Sleeves and Kinesio Tape. Outcomes were performed at five-time points (baseline, 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h), Primary outcome was pain level Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Secondary outcomes were Interleukin 6, Peak Torque/Body Weight, Work Fatigue. Statistical analyses were performed using the repeated measures analysis of variance method. Setting: Laboratory. Results After the intervention, VAS reached the highest at 24 h after exercise-induced muscle soreness, while the KTG and CSG at each time point were less than CG, and the scores of CSKTG at 24 h and 48 h were less than those of KTG and CSG in the same period (P < 0.05). Interleukin 6, at 24 h, CSKTG is lower than KTG 0.71( 95%CI: 0.43 to 1.86) and CG 1.68( 95%CI: 0.06 to 3.29). Peak Torque/Body Weight, at 24 h, CG was lower than CSKTG 0.99( 95%CI: 0.42 to 1.56), KTG 0.94( 95%CI: 0.37 to 1.52), and CSG 0.72( 95%CI: 0.14 to 1.29); at 72 h, CG was lower than CSKTG 0.65( 95%CI: 0.13 to 1.17) and KTG 0.58( 95%CI: 0.06 to 1.10). Work Fatigue, at 24 h, CG was lower than KTG 0.10( 95%CI: 0.02 to 1.78) and CSKTG 0.01( 95%CI: -0.07 to 0.09). At 48 h, CG was lower than KTG 0.10( 95%CI: 0.13 to 1.17) and CSKTG 0.11( 95%CI: 0.03 to 0.18). Conclusions Kinesio Tape can significantly reduce DOMS pain, and Kinesio Tape has a better recovery effect on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness than Compression Sleeves. Kinesio Tape combined with Compression Sleeves is helpful to alleviate the Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness pain, speeding up the recovery of muscle strength, and shortening the recovery time after Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Trial registration Registration number: This study was also registered on 11/10/2021, at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051973).

Background: Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) commonly appears 24–72 hours following eccentric exercise and can impair performance, recovery, and functional capacity. Sports massage therapy (SMT) and active exercise therapy (AET) are frequently prescribed interventions to alleviate DOMS symptoms, yet their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of SMT and AET on muscle soreness, range of motion (ROM), and serum creatine kinase (CK) levels among healthy adults experiencing exercise-induced DOMS. Methods: Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials published between November 2004 and October 2020. Eligible participants were healthy adults aged 18–60 years who received either SMT (manual massage techniques) or AET (light-to-moderate activity ≤70% HRmax) following eccentric exercise. Data synthesis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and a random-effects model to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Methodological quality was assessed using the TESTEX tool, and heterogeneity was quantified using I² statistics. Results: Thirty-nine RCTs (n = 1,148) met the inclusion criteria, comprising 27 SMT and 17 AET interventions. SMT significantly reduced muscle soreness compared to control conditions and demonstrated a stronger directional trend toward improved ROM and lower CK responses than AET. AET produced modest relief of soreness and ROM recovery but exhibited greater variability across studies. Overall methodological quality was moderate to high. Discussion: SMT may provide superior short-term symptom relief following eccentric exercise, while AET offers additional movement-based benefits. Conclusions: Both SMT and AET are effective recovery strategies for exercise-induced DOMS; however, SMT appears to yield more consistent short-term improvements in soreness, ROM, and muscle damage markers. Introducción: El dolor muscular de aparición tardía (DOMS) suele manifestarse entre 24 y 72 horas después del ejercicio excéntrico y puede afectar negativamente al rendimiento, la recuperación y la capacidad funcional. La terapia de masaje deportivo (SMT) y la terapia de ejercicio activo (AET) se utilizan con frecuencia para aliviar los síntomas del DOMS; sin embargo, su eficacia comparativa sigue siendo incierta. Objetivo: Esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis tuvo como objetivo comparar los efectos de la SMT y la AET sobre el dolor muscular, el rango de movimiento (ROM) y los niveles de creatina quinasa (CK) en adultos sanos que presentan DOMS inducido por el ejercicio. Metodología: Se realizaron búsquedas sistemáticas en cuatro bases de datos electrónicas (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science y Google Scholar) para identificar ensayos controlados aleatorizados publicados entre noviembre de 2004 y octubre de 2020. Los participantes elegibles fueron adultos sanos de 18 a 60 años que recibieron SMT (técnicas manuales de masaje) o AET (actividad ligera a moderada ≤70% de la FCmáx) tras ejercicio excéntrico. La síntesis de datos se realizó con Review Manager 5.4 utilizando un modelo de efectos aleatorios para calcular las diferencias de medias estandarizadas (SMD) con intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC). La calidad metodológica se evaluó mediante la herramienta TESTEX y la heterogeneidad se cuantificó con la estadística I². Resultados: Treinta y nueve ensayos (n = 1,148) cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, con 27 intervenciones de SMT y 17 de AET. La SMT redujo significativamente el dolor muscular en comparación con el control y mostró una tendencia más consistente hacia mejoras del ROM y reducciones de CK. La AET produjo un alivio moderado y una recuperación variable del ROM. La calidad metodológica general fue de moderada a alta. Conclusiones: Tanto la SMT como la AET son estrategias eficaces para el DOMS inducido por ejercicio; sin embargo, la SMT parece ofrecer mejoras más consistentes a corto plazo. Introdução: A dor muscular tardia (DOMS) manifesta-se geralmente 24 a 72 horas após o exercício excêntrico e pode ter um impacto negativo no desempenho, na recuperação e na capacidade funcional. A massagem desportiva (SMT) e a terapia com exercício ativo (AET) são frequentemente utilizadas para aliviar os sintomas da DOMS; no entanto, a sua eficácia comparativa permanece incerta. Objectivo: Esta revisão sistemática e meta-análise teve como objectivo comparar os efeitos da SMT e da AET na dor muscular, na amplitude de movimento (ADM) e nos níveis de creatina quinase (CK) em adultos saudáveis ​​com DOMS induzida pelo exercício. Metodologia: Foram realizadas pesquisas sistemáticas em quatro bases de dados eletrónicas (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e Google Scholar) para identificar ensaios clínicos randomizados publicados entre novembro de 2004 e outubro de 2020. Os participantes elegíveis eram adultos saudáveis ​​com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 60 anos que receberam técnicas de massagem manual (TMM) ou terapia de exercício excêntrico (TEE) (atividade ligeira a moderada ≤70% da frequência cardíaca máxima) após exercício excêntrico. A síntese dos dados foi realizada através do Review Manager 5.4 com um modelo de efeitos aleatórios para calcular as diferenças médias padronizadas (DMP) com intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95%. A qualidade metodológica foi avaliada através da ferramenta TESTEX e a heterogeneidade foi quantificada através da estatística I². Resultados: Trinta e nove ensaios (n = 1.148) cumpriram os critérios de inclusão, sendo 27 intervenções com TMM e 17 com TEE. A Terapia de Manipulação da Coluna (TME) reduziu significativamente a dor muscular em comparação com o grupo de controlo e apresentou uma tendência mais consistente para a melhoria da amplitude de movimento (ADM) e redução dos níveis de creatina quinase (CK). O Treino Aeróbico (TA) proporcionou um alívio moderado e uma recuperação variável da ADM. A qualidade metodológica global foi de moderada a elevada. Conclusões: Tanto a TME como o TA são estratégias eficazes para a dor muscular tardia induzida pelo exercício; no entanto, a TME parece oferecer melhorias mais consistentes a curto prazo.

Background: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are widely studied for their effects on muscle recovery and performance. Aims: This study examined the effects of BCAA supplementation on anthropometric data, physical performance, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and fatigue in recreational weightlifters. Methods: The trial involved 100 participants (50 men and 50 women), randomized into BCAA and placebo groups. Subjects in the BCAA group took five daily capsules of 500 mg L-leucine, 250 mg L-isoleucine, and 250 mg L-valine for six months. A two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the main and interaction effects of sex and treatment. Results: Notable findings include significant improvements in muscle recovery, as indicated by reduced DOMS, particularly in women who showed a decrement of 18.1 ± 9.4 mm compared to 0.8 ± 1.2 mm in the placebo group of a horizontal 100 mm line. Fatigue perception was also significantly lower in the BCAA group, with women reporting a greater decrease (2.6 ± 1.5 scores) compared to the placebo group (0.6 ± 0.7 scores). Strength gains were prominent, especially in men, with a 10% increase in bench press maximum observed in the BCAA group. The interaction between sex and treatment was significant, suggesting sex-specific responses to BCAA supplementation. Conclusions: These results underscore the effectiveness of BCAA supplementation in enhancing muscle recovery, reducing fatigue, and improving strength. This study also highlights sex-specific responses, with women benefiting more in terms of DOMS and fatigue reduction, while men experienced greater strength gains, suggesting a need for tailored supplementation strategies.

Compression garments are used by athletes for post-exercise recovery and injury prevention, yet their effectiveness depends on the interaction between textile properties, garment construction, and user-specific biomechanics. Despite growing participation of women in collegiate sports, few studies have examined recovery-focused compression engineered specifically for female athletes. This pilot investigation combined user-centered design methodology with textile performance testing to develop and evaluate a hamstring compression sleeve for female NCAA athletes. Survey data from competitive athletes (N = 34) identified durability, stretch, and thermal comfort as primary design priorities. Five candidate fabrics were evaluated for thickness, mass, elongation, and air permeability, leading to selection of a spacer knit fabric that provided high extensibility with sufficient stability for localized compression. A prototype sleeve incorporating elastomeric striping aligned with hamstring musculature was produced and evaluated during four repeated sprint testing sessions with NCAA athletes (N = 8). Functional performance measures included isometric strength, jump performance, and power output, alongside perceived soreness and wearability assessments. No statistically significant differences were detected between the compression and control limbs across biomechanical performance variables. However, participants consistently reported positive perceptions related to comfort, usability, and recovery support. These findings suggest that perceived benefits of compression garments may not always be reflected into short-term performance metrics, but remain relevant to athlete experience. The study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating textile engineering, garment design, and athlete feedback within a single development process and provides a framework for future optimization of compression systems tailored to female athletic populations.

The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is the main cellular proteolytic system responsible for the degradation of normal and abnormal (e.g. oxidised) proteins. Under catabolic conditions characterised by chronic inflammation, the UPS is activated resulting in proteolysis, muscle wasting and impaired muscle function. Milk proteins provide sulphur-containing amino acid and have been proposed to affect muscle inflammation. However, the response of the UPS to aseptic inflammation and protein supplementation is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate how milk protein supplementation affects UPS activity and skeletal muscle function under conditions of aseptic injury induced by intense, eccentric exercise. In a double-blind, cross-over, repeated measures design, eleven men received either placebo (PLA) or milk protein concentrate (PRO, 4×20 g on exercise day and 20 g/d for the following 8 days), following an acute bout of eccentric exercise (twenty sets of fifteen eccentric contractions at 30°/s) on an isokinetic dynamometer. In each trial, muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle at baseline, as well as at 2 and 8 d post exercise, whereas blood samples were collected before exercise and at 6 h, 1 d, 2 d and 8 d post exercise. Muscle strength and soreness were assessed before exercise, 6 h post exercise and then daily for 8 consecutive days. PRO preserved chymotrypsin-like activity and attenuated the decrease of strength, facilitating its recovery. PRO also prevented the increase of NF-κB phosphorylation and HSP70 expression throughout recovery. We conclude that milk PRO supplementation following exercise-induced muscle trauma preserves proteasome activity and attenuates strength decline during the pro-inflammatory phase.

Increased basketball game frequency may affect athlete performances, especially during Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF). The objective of the present investigation was to assess the impacts of increased game frequency periods crossing the RIF on body composition, sleep habits, indices of well-being, recovery state, and dietary intake in professional male basketball players. Twenty-eight professional basketball players participated in this study and were divided into increased-games-frequency (INCR) or normal-games-frequency (NORM) groups. INCR trained four times and completed two games per week, whereas NORM completed only one game per week. During the first and fourth weeks of RIF, the following variables were assessed: internal load (weekly session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE), heartrate (HR)), dietary intake, body composition, sleep quality (PSQI survey), well-being indices questionnaire (sleep, fatigue, stress, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS)), and recovery state with the Total Quality Recovery (TQR) questionnaire. The internal load significantly increased after 4 weeks of RIF in INCR compared to NORM (  < 0.001). Significant decrease of TQR, sleep duration, and a significant increase of DOMS only for INCR (26.93%,  < 0.001, ES = 0.48, small; 33.83%,  < 0.001, ES = 0.40, small; 161.17%,  < 0.001, ES = 0.32, small; respectively). Significant group × time interaction was observed for body mass (  = 0.006, ES = 0.46, small) and body fat percentage (  = 0.025, ES = 0.33, small), with INCR having a greater decrease in all these values. Increased game frequency period crossing RIF decreases fat mass, sleep duration, and recovery in professional basketball players, which may consequently affect performance and health.