Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia
Abstract
The aims of the this study were to investigate the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following downhill running on cycling power output and to determine the extent of any relationships between power output, strength, and DOMS. 12 active male subjects (aged 18-25 years) were randomly assigned to either a test (n=7) or control (n=5) group. The test group performed a 5 x 8 minute downhill running protocol at a grade of -7% and a speed corresponding to 80% of the subjects age predicted heart rate maximum. Measurements of isometric knee extension and flexion strength, peak and average cycling power output (Wingate Test), muscle tenderness, muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase (CK) were taken pre-run and 30 minutes, 24, 72 and 120 hours post-run for both groups. The test group did not perform the downhill running protocol. The control group showed no significant changes in any of the testing variables across time. For the test group, significant decreases (p2= 0.69) for extensor strength and average power were reduced 120 hours post-run (r2 = 0.32). No significant correlations were seen between soreness or tenderness, in relation to power output or strength, however this result may reflect a variation in testing protocols, and the use of active subjects with possible protection against damage and soreness. Results show that peak power, average power and strength are reduced during periods of DOMS, however, a direct relationship could not be confirmed from the current study without further investigation
