Topical CBD's Effects on Soreness and Performance

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) results from unaccustomed exercise and can lead to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Impairments associated with EIMD and DOMS can result in moderate-to-severe discomfort and hindered performance. Recently, a compound derived from the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD), has been used as a recovery tool for EIMD and DOMS. Despite the rising popularity of CBD products, their effectiveness in mitigating EIMD and DOMS is unknown. Specifically, to the investigators' knowledge, no clinical trials have been completed to assess the effects of topical CBD cream application on soreness, recovery and performance. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of CBD cream on DOMS and performance after an intensive lower-body exercise protocol. Specifically, the study's aims were: Aim 1: To assess the effect of topical CBD cream administration on muscle soreness following fatiguing exercise. Hypothesis 1: CBD cream would decrease perceived muscle soreness when compared to a placebo or control (no cream) group. Aim 2: To assess the effect of topical CBD cream administration on muscular performance following fatiguing exercise. Hypothesis 2: Recovery of muscular power would be quicker when CBD cream is applied, compared to a placebo or control (no cream) group. Aim 3: To assess if topical CBD cream has a localized (if any) or systemic effect on muscle soreness. Hypothesis 3: Improvements in muscle soreness would only be observed in localized muscles around where the CBD cream was applied.