The role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness in sport : review article

Objective : To investigate the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness. Data sources : PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from January 12-30, 2004 for the following terms: delayed onset muscle soreness, DOMS, exercise induced/associated muscle damage/soreness, contraction induced muscle damage/soreness, muscle injury, muscle soreness, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, diclofenac, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen. Study section : Inclusion criteria were use of human subjects and placebo-controlled design. Data extraction : Information relevant to specific drug studied, dosing, method of inducing DOMS, measurements used, and outcome were used. Data synthesis : Studies with primary findings supporting and refuting the use of NSAIDs for the treatment of DOMS are individually discussed. Conclusions : Due to potential adverse effects and inconclusive evidence, it is our opinion that the routine recommendation of NSAIDs for the treatment of DOMS is not warranted.