Good mental preparation of an athlete plays an important role in achieving optimal sports results. An athlete who enters a competition should not feel fatigue resulting from intense physical exercise. Therefore, new and effective methods are being sought that could help accelerate the process of both physical and mental regeneration. Vibrotherapy is one of them. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal frequency of vibration, its duration and the position in which the subjects were placed during the treatments, in relation to the reduction of subjectively perceived exertion muscle pain, mental discomfort, emotional states and the level of cognitive processes that were disturbed by intense physical activity. Sixteen healthy male volunteers were involved in this study. The participants were assessed for their aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Each of the subjects performed a set of intensive physical exercises and then underwent vibrotherapy treatment. In random order, each of the men tested the effectiveness of eight combinations of frequency, duration, and body position. Psychological tests were conducted for each combination: frequency, duration of treatment, and position during treatment, in four stages: (1) before the start of the experiment (baseline POMS measurements), (2) immediately after the exercise (VAS scale, scale examining psychological discomfort and STROOP test), (3) immediately after the vibration treatment (POMS measurements, VAS scale, scale examining psychological discomfort and STROOP test), (4) 24 h after the vibration treatment (VAS scale examining subjective assessment of perceived pain and psychological discomfort). Based on the results, it was concluded that all the studied variables improved significantly over time (after the vibration treatment and 24 h after training). In addition, a statistically significant interaction measurement × frequency was noted for vigor scale (52HZ favored greater improvement in this state), and a statistically significant interaction was found for measurement × time for the VAS scale (p < 0.05) - the lower pain value was indicated 24 h after the 10-min vibration treatment. The type of frequency used, position, and duration of the treatment did not play a statistically significant role in changing STROOP test results and severity of psychological discomfort (p > 0.05).

Purpose: Molecular hydrogen has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ergogenic, and recovery-enhancing effects. This study aimed to assess the effect of molecular hydrogen administration on muscle performance, damage, and perception of soreness up to 24 h of recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers. Methods: Eight females (mean ± SD; age 21.5 ± 5.0 years, maximal oxygen consumption 45.0 ± 2.5 mL.kg-1.min-1) and four males (age 18.9 ± 1.3 years, maximal oxygen consumption 52.2 ± 1.7 mL.kg-1.min-1) performed 12 × 50 m sprints in the morning session and a 400 m competitive performance in the afternoon session. Participants consumed hydrogen-rich water (HRW) or placebo 3 days before the sessions (1,260 mL/day) and 2,520 mL on the experimental day. Muscle performance (countermovement jump), muscle damage (creatine kinase), and muscle soreness (100 mm visual analogue scale) were measured during the experimental day and at 12 and 24 h after the afternoon session. Results: HRW compared to placebo reduced blood activity of creatine kinase (156 ± 63 vs. 190 ± 64 U.L-1, p = 0.043), muscle soreness perception (34 ± 12 vs. 42 ± 12 mm, p = 0.045), and improved countermovement jump height (30.7 ± 5.5 cm vs. 29.8 ± 5.8 cm, p = 0.014) at 12 h after the afternoon session. Conclusion: Four days of HRW supplementation is a promising hydration strategy for promoting muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05799911.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of high-intensity sports activities, notably the burgeoning popularity of CrossFit, underscores the contemporary significance of such physical pursuits. The discernible protective impact of branched-chain amino acids on muscle fatigue and injuries is emerging as a noteworthy area of investigation. Within the realm of sports, integrating BCAA supplementation into dietary practices holds promise for aiding athletes in their recovery, particularly in mitigating Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness.
METHODS: This study adopted an experimental pilot design with repeated measures, employing a controlled and randomized approach through double-blind procedures. The participant engaged in high-intensity activity, specifically the CrossFit Karen® test, which entailed executing 150 wall ball throws (9 kg) to a height of 3 m. The trial incorporated three randomized supplementation conditions: BCAAs in an 8:1:1 ratio or a 2:1:1 ratio or a placebo condition. The participant consumed 15 g daily for 7 days, commencing 72 h prior to the initial blood sample and the first Karen® test.
RESULTS: In this study, BCAA supplementation at an 8:1:1 ratio demonstrated a discernible protective effect against muscular damage, as evidenced by creatine kinase values and ratings of perceived exertion.

Non-small cell lung cancer metastasis to skeletal muscle is an uncommon occurrence. Lung cancers are more likely to spread to the brain, bone, liver, and adrenals. Here, we present a rare case of non-small cell lung cancer metastasis to the skeletal muscle in a 54-year-old male. In addition, we present a literature review on skeletal metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer. The most frequent presentation of skeletal muscle metastasis is muscular pain with or without swelling. The mechanism of metastasis to muscle is not well understood; it is theorized that hematogenous spread is the most likely route. As with our patient, the presence of skeletal muscle mass is considered an aggressive disease with poor survival, usually less than one year. The treatment for muscle metastasis is often palliative in the form of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgical removal of the mass.

UNASSIGNED: Previous research has reported that people with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) generally experience a high rate of muscular injury and pain. However, there is limited research comparing the recovery times and length of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in individuals with JHS to non-hypermobile individuals in response to exercise.
UNASSIGNED: The purpose of this study was to investigate JHS and its effects on DOMS and its recovery time.
UNASSIGNED: Quasi-experimental, observational comparison.
UNASSIGNED: Two groups including a hypermobile group (score >4 on Beighton Scale) and a non-hypermobile group all took part in five-second long standing eccentric bicep curls based using their one- repetition maximum (1-RM) of their dominant arm to failure in order to induce DOMS. Visual analog pain scale (VAS), McGill pain scale, resting arm angle, girth, and the pressure pain threshold, all domains of DOMS, were measured over a five-day period. Results were analyzed using ANOVA with time as the repeated factor.
UNASSIGNED: Both groups experienced DOMS following the eccentric exercise. However, VAS reporting was significantly greater in the hypermobile group compared to the non-hypermobile group and there was a significant difference over time. However, other variables did not reveal any other significant findings between groups.
UNASSIGNED: Individuals with JHS may experience greater DOMS and require more time to recover between treatment sessions. Therapists need to be aware that patients with hypermobility may experience higher pain levels related to exercise, and they need to adjust treatment parameters appropriately.
UNASSIGNED: 2b.

We reviewed fundamental studies on muscular pain, encompassing the characteristics of primary afferent fibers and neurons, spinal and thalamic projections, several muscular pain models, and possible neurochemical mechanisms of muscle pain. Most parts of this review were based on data obtained from animal experiments, and some researches on humans were also introduced. We focused on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) induced by lengthening contractions (LC), suitable for studying myofascial pain syndromes. The muscular mechanical withdrawal threshold (MMWT) decreased 1-3 days after LC in rats. Changing the speed and range of stretching showed that muscle injury seldom occurred, except in extreme conditions, and that DOMS occurred in parameters without muscle damage. The B2 bradykinin receptor-nerve growth factor (NGF) route and COX-2-glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) route were involved in the development of DOMS. The interactions between these routes occurred at two levels. A repeated-bout effect was observed in MMWT and NGF upregulation, and this study showed that adaptation possibly occurred before B2 bradykinin receptor activation. We have also briefly discussed the prevention and treatment of DOMS.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) of the lower back is considered a surrogate for acute low back pain (aLBP) in experimental studies. Of note, it is often unquestioningly assumed to be muscle pain. To date, there has not been a study analyzing lumbar DOMS in terms of its pain origin, which was the aim of this study. Sixteen healthy individuals (L-DOMS) were enrolled for the present study and matched to participants from a previous study (n = 16, L-PAIN) who had undergone selective electrical stimulation of the thoracolumbar fascia and the multifidus muscle. DOMS was induced in the lower back of the L-DOMS group using eccentric trunk extensions performed until exhaustion. On subsequent days, pain on palpation (100-mm analogue scale), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and the Pain Sensation Scale (SES) were used to examine the sensory characteristics of DOMS. Pain on palpation showed a significant increase 24 and 48 h after eccentric training, whereas PPT was not affected (p > 0.05). Factor analysis of L-DOMS and L-PAIN sensory descriptors (SES) yielded a stable three-factor solution distinguishing superficial thermal (\"heat pain \") from superficial mechanical pain (\"sharp pain\") and \"deep pain.\" \"Heat pain \" and \"deep pain\" in L-DOMS were almost identical to sensory descriptors from electrical stimulation of fascial tissue (L-PAIN, all p > 0.679) but significantly different from muscle pain (all p < 0.029). The differences in sensory description patterns as well as in PPT and self-reported DOMS for palpation pain scores suggest that DOMS has a fascial rather than a muscular origin.

This study examined the percentage and location of trigger points in police working dogs. Twelve dogs housed at a military police kennel were selected through convenience sampling. Only active dogs with no comorbidities or radiographic changes doing 6 hours of intense physical activity per day were included. After orthopedic and neurological examination, dogs were palpated for the detection of trigger points (TPs), carried out by two independent examiners, with criteria of palpations previously standardized. TPs were recorded using an anatomy reference image according to the corresponding anatomical location. The percentage of TPs was highest in the lumbar portion of the longissimus dorsi muscle (42%), followed by the latissimus dorsi, pectineus, quadriceps femoris, and sartorius (33%) muscles. Most TPs were located on the right side of the body. This study\'s percentage of TPs in police working dogs was higher in spinal and hind limb muscles, especially on the right side. The major criteria for identifying TPs in dogs were the pain responses to palpation and contractile local response. The findings of this study could be used to refine myofascial pain prevention to reduce early retirement due to musculoskeletal pain and draw attention to this kind of problem that can also affect dogs.

To advance evidence-based practice and targeted treatments of low back pain (LBP), a better pathophysiological understanding and reliable outcome measures are required. The processing of nociceptive information from deeper somatic structures (e.g., muscle, fascia) might play an essential role in the pathophysiology of LBP. In this study, we measured the intra- and inter-session reliability of electrical detection and pain thresholds of cutaneous and muscle primary afferents of the lower back. Twenty healthy participants attended two study visits separated by 27.7 ± 1.7 days. To determine the location-specific electrical detection threshold (EDT) and pain threshold (EPT), needle electrodes were inserted in the epidermal layer over, and in the lumbar erector spinae muscle. Additionally, established quantitative sensory testing (QST) parameters were assessed. Reliability was determined by differences between measurements, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1), Bland-Altman plots, and standard error of measurement (SEM). Correspondence between QST parameters and electrical thresholds was assessed using Pearson\'s correlation. Except for cutaneous EPT, no significant (p ≤ 0.05) intra- and inter-session differences were observed. Excellent intra-session reliability was shown for cutaneous and intramuscular electrical stimulations and all QST parameters (ICC: 0.76-0.93). Inter-session reliabilities were good (ICC: 0.74-0.75) except for electrical stimulations (ICC: 0.08-0.36). Limits of agreement and SEM were higher for inter-session than intra-session. A medium to strong relationship was found between electrical and mechanical/pressure pain thresholds. In conclusion, cutaneous and intramuscular electrical stimulation will potentially close an important diagnostic gap regarding the selective examination of deep tissue afferents and provide location-specific information for the excitability of non-nociceptive and nociceptive afferents.

BACKGROUND: The mainstay of treatment for cervical dystonia (CD) is regular botulinum toxin injections every 3-4 months. Clinical evaluation of response is dependent on the patient\'s recall of how well symptoms responded to the previous injection. A mobile health app could assist both patients and health care professionals to monitor treatment benefits and side effects to assist with the selection of muscle and toxin dose to be injected at the next visit. The DystoniaDiary is a bespoke electronic health journal for monitoring symptoms of CD and response to treatment.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the acceptability and utility of the DystoniaDiary in patients with CD treated with botulinum toxins as part of their usual care.
METHODS: In this open-label, single-center, single-arm observational study, patients attending a botulinum toxin injection clinic were invited to download the DystoniaDiary app. Patients selected up to 3 of their most troublesome CD symptoms (from a predefined list) and were prompted every 3 days to rate the control of these symptoms on a scale from 0 (very badly) to 100 (very well). Dates of onset and wearing off of response to injected botulinum toxin and responses to the Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile (CDIP-58) questionnaire at baseline and week 6 were also recorded in the app.
RESULTS: A total of 34 patients installed DystoniaDiary. Twenty-five patients (25/34, 74%) recorded data for ≥12 weeks and 21 patients (21/34, 62%) for ≥16 weeks. Median time between the first and last data input was 140 days with a median of 13 recordings per patient. User experience questionnaires at weeks 4 and 12 (20 respondents) indicated that the majority of respondents found the DystoniaDiary app easy to install and use, liked using it, would recommend it to others (19/20), and wished to continue using it (16/20). A smaller proportion indicated that the DystoniaDiary gave a greater sense of control in managing their CD (13/20). There was interindividual variation in patients\' perceptions of control of their symptoms after botulinum toxin injection. Response to treatment was apparent in the symptom control scores for some patients, whereas the severity of other patients\' symptoms did not appear to change after treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: This observational study demonstrated that the DystoniaDiary app was perceived as useful and acceptable for a large proportion of this sample of patients with CD attending a botulinum toxin clinic. Patients with CD appear to be willing to regularly record symptom severity for at least the duration of a botulinum injection treatment cycle (12-16 weeks). This app may be useful in monitoring and optimizing individual patient responses to botulinum toxin injection.