In 2009, Micklewright, et. al., conducted study about Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) which is a common discomfort experienced after intense exercise. Researchers are constantly exploring various interventions to alleviate this sensation, one of which is soft tissue release (STR). This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of STR on DOMS following eccentric elbow extensions.

A mixed-subjects experimental design was employed, with twenty male participants, unaccustomed to strength conditioning, taking part in the study. Each participant performed 4 sets of 20 eccentric elbow extensions at 80% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the STR group (50%) received soft tissue release treatment, while the remaining 50% received no treatment. DOMS measurements were assessed prior to the elbow extensions and at 0, 24, and 48 hours after the exercise.

Both groups exhibited significant increases in DOMS-related indicators post-exercise, including visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings (p < 0.0001) and arm girth measurements (p < 0.0001), as well as decreases in relaxed joint angle (RJA) (p < 0.0001), active range of motion (AROM) (p < 0.0001), and passive range of motion (PROM) (p < 0.0001). Notably, VAS scores in the STR group were significantly higher immediately following treatment (p < 0.01) and 48 hours post-exercise (p < 0.005) compared to the untreated group. However, no other significant differences were observed between the two groups, and none of the measured parameters returned to baseline levels within the initial 48-hour period.

This preliminary investigation indicates that soft tissue release (STR) exacerbates the sensation of DOMS but does not appear to expedite the recovery process during the first 48 hours following intense eccentric exercise. Further research is warranted to elucidate the potential long-term effects of STR on DOMS and explore its suitability as a recovery intervention.

Reference: Micklewright, D. (2009). The effect of soft tissue release on delayed onset muscle soreness: a pilot study. Physical Therapy in Sport, 10(1), 19-24.