Effects of Transdermal Methylsulfonylmethane on Muscle Damage and Recovery Following Eccentric Exercise

Abstract

PURPOSE:The present study aimed to investigate the effects of transdermal application of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on muscle damage and recovery following eccentric exercise in young men.METHODS: Eleven college-aged men without any cardiovascular or orthopedic disorders underwent two sessions consisting of a control session (CS) and an experimental session (ES) in a random order with at least 2 weeks of wash-out between the sessions. The participants performed 30 maximal eccentric exercises involving their non-dominant elbow flexors in each session. Circumference, muscle soreness, range of motion, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and muscular echo intensity (EI) were measured to evaluate the changes in the level of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). All measurements were performed at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after exercise and also immediately before and after exercise.RESULTS:Transdermal application of MSM in ES attenuated muscle swelling and decreased MVIC after eccentric exercise when compared with CS. Muscle soreness and EI tended to increase less rapidly and decrease more rapidly in ES than in CS.CONCLUSIONS: Transdermal application of MSM may induce relatively positive effects on EIMD and recovery following eccentric exercise when compared with the treatment that has been widely used previously.