Delayed Muscle Soreness: A Review

Abstract

There are two generally recognized types of muscular pain or soreness associated with severe exercise. These two types are a) acute soreness and b) delayed soreness. Acute soreness or pain occurs during and immediately following exercise. This condition is short-lived and is alleviated when exercise is discontinued. Acute soreness is thought to be associated with lack of adequate blood flow or ischemia to the active muscles. The more serious problem associated with severe exercise is delayed muscle soreness, i.e., pain and soreness that occurs 24 to 48 hours after exercise. Four popular theories of the etiology of this condition are: lactic acid accumulation, spasms, torn tissue, and connective tissue damage. These theories are discussed in light of current biochemical and morphological findings. From recent studies designed to induce delayed soreness, it has been found that the degree of delayed soreness experienced with exercise is related to the type of muscle contraction performed. Maximum soreness is associated with eccentric types of contractions. A possible explanation for this finding is presented.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;5(1):10-13.