The Comparison of Effect of MC Intensity in Pain and ROM in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Purpose : We investigated the effects of microcurrent(MC) electrical stimulation on each intensity( $100{\mu}A,\;200{\mu}A,\;500{\mu}A$ - 30pps frequency was same) on delayed onset muscle soreness(DOMS). Methods : Subjects were assigned randomly divided into three groups of eight for three different treatment protocoals( $100{\mu}A,\;200{\mu}A,\;500{\mu}A$ -experimental groups). Twenty-four healthy males and females subjects were participated in this study. All subjects performed eccentric exercise of elbow flexor(biceps brachii) until exhausted. The measured items of elbow flexor muscle strength were Nicholas Manual Muscle Taster(NMMT). The measured items of elbow joint range of motion ROM) were Goniometer. The measured items of elbow flexor muscle pain were visual analogue scale(VAS). Treatment were applied at 30 minute exercise after and again at 24 hours and at 48 hours and at 72 hours after. Measurements were taken after treatment. Analysis of Results using repeated measures analysis of variance(ANOVA) and post hoc tests were as follows: two-way ANOVA with repeated measurement for muscle strength, flexion ROM, extension ROM and VAS. Results : This results showed eccentric exercise casused DOMS, DOMS response to eccentric exercise were reduces by microcurrent therapy. DOMS was significant decreased at $100{\mu}A,\;200{\mu}A,\;500{\mu}A$ . Muscle strength was significant difference at all intensity. Elbow flexion ROM was significant difference at all intensity but elbow extension ROM was insignificant difference at all intensity. VAS score was significant difference at $100{\mu}A$ and $500{\mu}A$ but insignificant difference at $200{\mu}A$ . All experimental groups showed insignificant difference with all intensity MENS. Conclusion : These findings indicate that microcurrent therapy is had effect on recovery from exercise induced muscle damage. In our's suggestion, microcurrent therapy is particularly more appropriate therapeutic modality.