Comparison of two different treatment modalities in delayed onset muscle soreness: Pulsed magnetic field therapy and low-level laser therapy

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of magnetic field therapy and low-level laser therapy on delayed onset muscle soreness. Method: The study was included 75 adult participants aged between 18-35, studying and working at Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University. The participants were divided into three groups including pulsed low level laser therapy (PLLLT; n=25), pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMFT; n=25), and control group (CG; n=25). In the study which lasted five days in total; upper arm circumference, elbow flexion and extension range of motion, elbow flexor and extensor muscle strength, pain perception, muscle soreness, carrying angle, electromyography (EMG), laser doppler flowmetry and biochemical (creatine kinase-CK, lactate dehydrogenase-LDH) evaluations were performed. Immediately after the initial evaluation, it was formed delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the biceps brachii muscle with 70 percent of one maximum repeat value. One repetition maximum muscle strength of the participants was placed on record in the previous week in order not to affect the study. Evaluations were repeated before and after the protocol, and before and after the therapy. Results: After the eccentric exercise protocol, it was observed that pain in palpation and motion were decreased just with active ROM application (p<0,05). The treatments (therapies) that applied did not make a difference in upper arm circumference, carrying angle, active ROM values, blood flow, CK and LDH results. Although PLLLT application indicated better results in increasing flexion and extension muscle strength, it did not produce a significant recovery. However, in electromyographic activities, recovery in PLLLT group was determined to be superior (p<0,05). Conclusion: Although all therapies for DOMS seem to be effective in reducing symptoms, the success rate of using active ROM and PLLLT treatments (therapies) seems to be higher. Keywords: Delayed onset muscle soreness, Electromyography, Laser doppler flowmetry, Pulsed magnetic field therapy, Pulsed low level laser therapy.