Comparing the effectiveness of radial Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy (rESWT) and three conventional treatment approaches for biceps brachii muscle in exercise-induced Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS): A Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is a typical physiological response to unaccustomed to intense exercise, characterised by pain, stiffness, and reduced muscle function. DOMS is often experienced in muscles after strenuous limb activities, impacting an individual's physical performance and overall well-being. Effective management strategies for DOMS are essential to minimise discomfort and enhance recovery. In the treatment of DOMS, physiotherapy management is a better option rather than analgesics or NSAIDs. There is a research gap on radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy, rESWT, MFR, cryotherapy, etc. that has an individual and unique effect on pain reduction and functional improvement. Method An assessor and participants-blinded randomised clinical trial (RCT) will be used for the investigation. The impact of rESWT, MFR, and stretching combined with cryotherapy on exercise-induced DOMS will be examined in this study. On the patient, DOMS will be induced for research purposes. Three groups will receive rESWT, MFR, and stretching in addition to cryotherapy. After DOMS is induced, the treatment will be given once daily for 0 to 48 hours (3 times in 3 days). Each group will include 40 students, and the research will measure how rESWT, MFR, Cryotherapy, and Stretching affect pain alleviation before treatment (pretest), immediately after treatment (post-test 1), 24 hours later (post-test 2), 48 hours later (post-test 3) and 72 hours later (post-test 4). The outcome metric will be pain intensity and ROM. Male and female students of the University with good physical health and without a history of taking painkillers recently make up the study’s groups. Discussion The study investigates the efficacy of physiotherapy approaches (rESWT, MFR, Cryotherapy, and Stretching) on exercise-induced DOMS. It addresses a research gap regarding rESWT’s effectiveness and offers valuable insights into pain reduction methods. The findings can guide comprehensive pain management and individualised recovery strategies. Trial registration CTRI/2023/08/056649 [Registered on: 18/08/2023]