Differences in delayed onset muscle soreness behavior and joint position sense in men and women

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) typically appears within 48 hours of exercise, causing strength deficits and movement difficulty. Its impact on joint position sense, a key proprioceptive function, and potential sex differences remain unclear.

AIM: In this study, we investigated whether DOMS affects the joint position sense of men and women.

METHODS: 15 men (25±4.37 years, body mass index 26.52±5.22 kg/m²) and 15 women (24.7±4.06 years, body mass index 26.75±5.06 kg/m²), self-reported healthy adults, performed an exhaustive unilateral elbow flexion and extension exercise to induce DOMS in the biceps brachii. Measurements of DOMS (with numeric pain scale), pressure pain threshold (with algometer), and joint position sense evaluation (with 2D angular kinematics) were taken pre and 48 hours post-exercise for two different elbow angles (biceps shortened or lengthened), without visual assistance.

RESULTS: DOMS increased, and the pressure pain threshold decreased 48 hours post-exercise, with no sex difference. Error in joint position sense in the lengthened biceps position was greater than in the shortened position 48 hours post-exercise (muscle extended: 7.78±6.24° vs. muscle shortened: 4.83±3.21°, F(_1.232)=7.487; p<0.01 and ESF=0.17). There were no sex differences.

INTERPRETATION: With the presence of DOMS, joint position sense differs between the conditions of shortening or lengthening of the biceps brachii, with the lengthened position causing worse joint position sense. Such an effect did not differ between men and women participants. This information can be useful for rehabilitation and training programs, aiding monitoring post-exercise recovery and helping to understand the influence of DOMS on motor accuracy.