Take Two Ibuprofen and Call Me in the Morning

Study indicates that taking ibuprofen decreases perception of soreness after exercise, but does not assist in restoring muscle function

Colorado Springs, CO /PR Web/ April 22, 2003 --- The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recently published a study in its official scientific journal, The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (Vol.17, No. 1, page 53-59), that finds anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen decrease muscle soreness, but do not aid in recovery of the muscle after exercise.

It has been theorized that the dull aching pain that usually occurs after exercise, known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), is caused by acute inflammation. This soreness usually reaches a peak at 24-48 hours after rigorous activity, and is usually combined with the symptoms of muscle damage (stiffness, weakness, and strength loss in the muscle). Researchers at Democritus University of Thrace in Komotini, Greece tested the hypothesis by studying the effects of ibuprofen on delayed-muscle soreness, indirect markers of muscle damage, and muscular performance after eccentric exercise.

Procedures
Nineteen people (fourteen men and five women) participated in the double blind study. To induce DOMS, the subjects performed eccentric leg curls (6 sets of 10 repetitions at 100% of 1 repetition maximum). Muscle soreness is caused mainly by eccentric (muscle lengthening) rather than concentric (muscle shortening) actions. Nine randomly selected subjects took 400 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours for the first 48 hours following the exercise. The control group took a placebo pill during the same time frame.

Results
Muscle soreness was measured using a questionnaire. Study participants rated the soreness they felt at 24 and 48-hour intervals. Each groups soreness measurement increased; however, the ibuprofen group rated the soreness as significantly less at both time periods.

Muscle performance was measured using maximal strength, range of motion, and the vertical jump. Performance decreased in both groups at all measured times (4-6, 24, and 48 hours after exercise) for all three activities-indicating a decrease in muscle function.

White blood cell count (a sign of inflammation) and creatine kinase (a sign of muscle damage) were measured at 4-6, 24, and 48 hours. White blood cell count significantly increased in both groups 4-6 hours after exercise. Creatine kinase levels were increased in both groups after 24 and 48 hours, but were significantly lower in the ibuprofen group after 48 hours.

This study suggests that ibuprofen may decrease perception of soreness induced by eccentric actions, but does not assist in restoring muscle function, or aid in muscular performance after physical activity. The results of the study are far from conclusive, and further research is needed.

Throughout its 25-year history, the National Strength and Conditioning Association has sought to educate its members and increase respect for the strength and conditioning profession. The NSCA fulfills this goal by providing a wide variety of resources such as: exceptional professional journals; cutting edge conferences; scholarship and grant opportunities; educational text and videos; and career services to its 26,000 members. Visit the NSCA web site www.nsca-lift.org for more information.

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NOTE: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research is the official research journal of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and is available from Alliance Communication Group at 800-627-0932. For a complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 17, No. 1, page 53-59) or to speak with a leading strength and conditioning expert on the topic, you may contact the NSCA Public Relations Department at 800-815-6826.