Abstract
[Purpose] We investigated the immediate and time-course effects of the thermal stimulus caused by ultrasound therapy on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). [Subjects and Methods] This study had a randomized controlled trial design. The subjects were 14 healthy university students (8 males and 6 females). DOMS was induced in the biceps brachii muscle, and ultrasound was used for 10 min. Visual analog scales (VAS) for pain and feelings of muscle tension and fatigue during elbow motion, as well as the ROM of the elbow joint, were used to evaluate the effects of ultrasound therapy. [Results] After exercise on the second day, the ultrasound irradiation group showed a significant improvement in the VAS scores of muscle tension and fatigue during elbow motion. [Conclusion] The thermal stimulus of ultrasound therapy for DOMS is temporarily effective at reducing muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise.
