Comparison of different cold therapy programs on delayed-onset muscle soreness / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Cryotherapy plays a positive role in the treatment of delayed-onset muscle soreness caused by high intense exercise. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different crypotherapy programs on the levels of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin 2 in long distance race-walkers after 15-day training, and to determine a rational treatment program for delayed-onset muscle soreness. METHODS:Sixteen male race-walkers in Liaoning Province were randomly divided into cryotherapy and cryo/heat therapy groups, and received 10-minute cryotherapy and 2.5-minute cryo/heat therapy (2.5-mintue cryotherapy and 2.5-minute heat therapy alternately for 10 minutes), respectively, after 15-day training. The serum levels of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin 2 were detected at six different time points to compare the efficacy between two methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the cryo/heat therapy group, the serum levels of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin 2 in the cryotherapy group were significantly decreased. That is to say, cryotherapy is more available for alleviating delayed-onset muscle soreness after intensive eccentric training or in intensive seasons.