Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness of Athletes

Study Design: This study was approved by the Human Experiment Ethics Committee of Chengdu Sport University (No: 2103). Based on previous research data, G-power software was used to calculate that at least 40 samples were needed. Participants: A total of 45 track and field athletes from Sichuan Province, China, were recruited during the off-season in 2024. They were randomly assigned to the vibration group, kinesio taping group, combined group, and control group. All participants signed informed consent forms and adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. DOMS Modeling: Following previous research, a delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) model for athletes\' knee joints was established through downhill running. Detailed oxygen uptake tests were conducted on all participants one week before DOMS modeling, and records were made one week after DOMS modeling. Intervention Measures: The vibration group received vibration training immediately after DOMS modeling. The kinesio taping group had Y-shaped kinesio taping applied 30 minutes before DOMS modeling. The combined group received both vibration training and kinesio taping simultaneously. Assessment Methods: The degree of pain at the DOMS site for participants was evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The concentration of creatine kinase (CK) in the serum of participants was detected using an RT-9600 automatic biochemical analyzer, and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An IsoMed 2000 isokinetic tester was used to perform a 60°/s extension test on the participants\' knees. Data Collection: VAS scores, serum CK and IL-6 levels, and peak torque of knee extension were collected at different time points before and after DOMS modeling.