From the Research
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) susceptibility is primarily caused by ultrastructural muscle damage due to unfamiliar or eccentric exercise, with genetic factors, age, and exercise type playing significant roles. The primary mechanism of DOMS is considered to be the ultrastructural damage of muscle cells due to unfamiliar sporting activities or eccentric exercise, which leads to further protein degradation, apoptosis, and local inflammatory response 1. Some key factors that contribute to DOMS susceptibility include:
- Being new to exercise, returning after a break, or suddenly increasing workout intensity
- Genetic factors, such as natural inflammation and pain sensitivity after exercise
- Age, with older adults often experiencing more severe symptoms
- Exercise type, with eccentric exercises causing more DOMS than concentric movements
- Poor hydration, inadequate nutrition, and lack of proper warm-up
- Insufficient recovery between workouts, which prevents muscle repair and increases soreness These factors contribute to the microscopic muscle damage that triggers the inflammatory response responsible for the characteristic pain, stiffness, and tenderness that peaks 24-72 hours after exercise and typically resolves within a week. It's worth noting that while some studies have investigated the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reducing DOMS, the current evidence suggests that NSAID use may have a small to medium effect on reducing strength loss, soreness, and blood creatine kinase level after an acute muscle injury 2. However, the most recent and highest quality study on the topic of DOMS pathogenesis and diagnostics provides the most relevant information for understanding the causes of DOMS susceptibility 1.