Characterization of perceived muscle soreness and prediction of skeletal muscle markers of damage following a bout of high intensity functional resistance training

Elliott, Lauren N.

Publication

Characterization of perceived muscle soreness and prediction of skeletal muscle markers of damage following a bout of high intensity functional resistance training

Elliott, Lauren N.

Description

Exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage often resolves in 1-5 days, however severe complications occasionally arise. Identifying predictors of severe muscle damage may reduce potential risks associated with high volume or extended duration workouts. PURPOSE: Determine if pain perception is related to markers of skeletal muscle damage following a standardized HIRFT bout. METHODS: Participants (n=19[13 males, 174.7±7.9 cm, 77.9±13.7 kg, 25.8±6.5 y, training experience 3.5±1.3y] completed a standardized HIRFT workout (1 mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, 1 mile run). At 5 timepoints (24h pre, immediately pre, immediately post, 24h post and 48h post exercise), participants completed the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), including responses to 15 pain terms and a visual analog scale (VAS). Plasma osmolality (Posm) was measured from blood samples taken at each of the above timepoints. RESULTS: RMANOVA revealed a main effect of time for 11 pain descriptors, VAS, and Mean Plasma Osmolality (all p ≤ .035). A stepwise regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between VAS immediately post exercise and mean plasma osmolality 48h post exercise. CONCLUSION: Eleven MPQ terms best described perceived muscle pain following the HIRFT bout. The relationship between VAS immediately post and plasma osmolality 48h post exercise demonstrates individuals who perceived more pain immediately following workout showed evidence of increased skeletal muscle damage 48h after the workout. This muscle damage may be due to a release of urea from the skeletal muscle cell following exercise. Findings indicate perceived muscle pain may be a valuable predictor of muscle damage.