Ultrasound Treatment and Recovery From Eccentric-Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

Objectives: To evaluate ultrasound’s effectiveness after eccentric-exercise-induced muscle damage. Participants: 22 subjects. Intervention: Random assignment to ultrasound (UT) or placebo (PT). Ultrasound was applied immediately and 24, 48, and 72 h after 50 maximum eccentric contractions of the biceps. Outcome Measures: Concentric and eccentric peak torques, resting elbow angle, and subjective muscle soreness were measured before and 24, 48, 72, and 96 h afterward. Results: No significant differences between UT and PT for biceps concentric or eccentric peak torque were noted. Both groups exhibited significant (P < .01) depression in eccentric and concentric peak torques with a slow return toward preexercise values over 96 h. Resting elbow angles for both groups were significantly lower than preexercise values up to 96 h (P < .01). Muscle soreness increased significantly (P < .05) at 24 and 48 h and returned to preexercise levels by 96 h. Conclusions: Daily ultrasound did not influence recovery after eccentric-exercise-induced muscle damage.