Does the Distribution of Rest Within a Resistance Training Bout Influence the Degree of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Experienced?

Purpose of the Study: Delayed onset muscle soreness can be an obstacle to many who would otherwise benefit from resistance training. It has been suggested that both mechanical and metabolic strain influence the extent of exercise induced muscle damage, the proposed cause of observed symptoms. The purpose of this study was to compare a traditional resistance exercise protocol with a less metabolically taxing approach to evaluate as moderator of the delayed onset muscle soreness response. Procedure: To evaluate the effectiveness of less metabolically taxing resistance exercise, participants were used as their own control performing a traditional “sets and reps” protocol with one arm, and an inter-repetition rest protocol with the other. Decreases in functional capacity and increases in pain perception and sensitivity were compared between the two protocols for three days following insult. Findings: Although there was no significant difference observed in the extent of muscle damage markers suggested by symptom analysis, there were some significant differences between protocol outcomes. This could suggest that the time course of symptom development is influenced by the degree of metabolic strain imposed. Conclusions: Mechanical strain appears to have a much greater influence on muscle damage than metabolic strain as reduction of metabolic strain alone is not sufficient to attenuate the development of symptoms. Reducing the metabolic strain may shift the time course of delayed onset muscle soreness.