Mechanism and Theories for Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness in Athletes

The sensation of tenderness and tightness over the muscle, post eccentric exercise is called Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS). It is not an acute pain. Post exercise the soreness will develop within 24-72 hours of duration, slowly the soreness will reduce by 5-7 days post exercise. Initially Theodre Hough, mentioned soreness will develop when an untrained muscle does a contraction opposite to the strong spring. The aim of this review article is to find out the various mechanisms and theories for Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness development. A direct search of journals was conducted to identify the potential articles. Online search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and Physiotherapy Evidence-based Database (PEDro) were searched. Based on the available research studies, Delayed onset of muscle soreness developmental mechanism was understood. Literature search helped to understand the various theories on development of DOMS and physiology behind the soreness. Still more articles and research must emerge to provide the clear evidence on theories on Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness.

This review article explores the mechanisms and theories behind Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness in athletes.