Abstract
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is muscular pain and discomfort experienced approximately 24-72 hours after exercise. DOMS is due to microscopic muscle fiber tears and is more common after unfamiliar high-force muscular work. It is seen predominantly post eccentric exercise. It is commonly seen after the intensity and volume of training are increased, the order of progression in exercise or a new training regime is performed. DOMS is not a disorder or disease; it can be considered as a painful type I muscle strain injury. DOMS can limit further exercise in the days following an initial training. It is a matter of concern for coaches, athletic trainers, physiotherapist, and other sports medicine personnel concerned with the athletes. Various pre- and post exercise interventions have been investigated with respect to preventing the subsequent symptoms and treating DOMS. Interventions like pharmacological treatments, therapeutic treatments using physical modalities, and interventions using nutritional supplements have been researched. In the aspect of prevention and treatment of DOMS vibration therapy is effective. Vibration therapy helps to synchronization of motor unit activity by preventing sarcoma disruption and also improves muscular strength, power development and kinesthetic awareness. Thus optimal muscle performance prevents the muscle damage, reducing the chances of DOMS. The purpose of this review is to find out the role of Vibration therapy in preventing DOMS.
Key words: DOMS, Vibration therapy, prevention of DOMS, physiotherapy.