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MRI evaluation of topical heat and static stretching as therapeutic modalities for the treatment of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to monitor the effects of topical heat and/or static stretch treatments on the recovery of muscle damage by eccentric exercise. For this purpose, 32 untrained male subjects performed intense eccentric knee extension exercise, followed by 2 weeks of treatment (heat, stretch, heat plus stretch) or no treatment (control, n=8/group). Isometric strength testing, pain ratings, and multi-echo magnetic resonance imaging of the thigh were performed before and at 2, 3, 4, 8, and 15 days following the exercise. Increased T2 relaxation time, muscle swelling, pain ratings, and strength loss confirmed significant muscle damage during the post-exercise period. Pain ratings and muscle volume recovered to baseline by 15 days, although muscle strength remained lower [77 (4) vs. 95 (3) kg pre-exercise, mean (SE)] and T2 values higher [32.2 (0.8) vs. 28.6 (0.2) ms pre-exercise]. Our results indicate that heat and/or static stretching does not consistently reduce soreness, swelling or muscle damage. The practical implication of our findings is that clinicians should be aware that prescribing heat and/or static stretching following intense eccentric or unaccustomed exercise will not enhance the recovery of damaged muscles.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Education, Albion College, 611 East Porter Street, Albion, MI 49224, USA

    R. C. Jayaraman

  2. Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, 3110 BPS Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

    R. W. Reid

  3. Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, Room 32 IM Sports Circle, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

    J. M. Foley

  4. Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, E-102 Veterinary Medicine Building, Columbia, MO 65211-5120, USA

    B. M. Prior

  5. Department of Exercise Science, University of Georgia, 115 Ramsey Center, Athens, GA 30602, USA

    G. A. Dudley

  6. P&G Health Sciences Institute, 1 Procter and Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

    K. W. Weingand

  7. Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

    K. W. Weingand

  8. Molecular Imaging Research Center, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, 2201 BPS Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

    R. A. Meyer

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  1. R. C. Jayaraman
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  2. R. W. Reid
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  3. J. M. Foley
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  4. B. M. Prior
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  5. G. A. Dudley
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  6. K. W. Weingand
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  7. R. A. Meyer
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Correspondence to R. C. Jayaraman.

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Jayaraman, R.C., Reid, R.W., Foley, J.M. et al. MRI evaluation of topical heat and static stretching as therapeutic modalities for the treatment of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. Eur J Appl Physiol 93, 30–38 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1153-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1153-y

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