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Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs after intense eccentric contractions or after performing unaccustomed exercise. Chamomile and ibuprofen may prevent or attenuate DOMS symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of simultaneous intake of chamomile and ibuprofen on markers of muscle damage, pain, and inflammation after exhaustive eccentric exercise in young men. In a double blind randomized clinical trial, 40 young men participated voluntarily in the study and were randomly and equally assigned to groups including chamomile (Cham; 1600 mg/day), ibuprofen (IBP; 1600 mg/day), chamomile + ibuprofen (Cham-IBP; 800 mg/day ibuprofen and 800 mg/day chamomile), and placebo. Participants performed a bout of exhaustive eccentric exercise following a week of supplementation. Blood samples were collected before the start of supplementation, before the eccentric exercise, 24, 48, and 72 h after the eccentric exercise and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatine kinase (CK) were measured in the plasma. In addition, muscle soreness, Sargent jump test (SJ), and knee range of motion (ROM) as functional capacity were measured. The results showed that ROM significantly improved 48 h post exercise in all three treatment groups (p ≤ 0.05). Also, chamomile supplementation significantly improved MS, SJ, AST, and ALT more than ibuprofen, and chamomile + ibuprofen compared to the placebo group (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, chamomile is more effective than ibuprofen or combination of chamomile and ibuprofen in attenuating muscle soreness after intense muscle-damaging exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: The age-related loss of skeletal muscle and bone tissue decreases functionality and increases the risk for falls and injuries. One contributing factor of muscle and bone loss over time is chronic low-grade inflammation. Exercise training is an effective countermeasure for decreasing the loss of muscle and bone tissue, possibly by enhancing immune system response. Herein, we discuss key interactions between the immune system, muscle, and bone in relation to exercise perturbations, and we identify that there is substantial "cross-talk" between muscle and bone and the immune system in response to exercise. Recent Findings: Recent advances in our understanding of the "cross-talk" between muscle and bone and the immune system indicate that exercise is likely to mediate many of the beneficial effects on muscle and bone via their interactions with the immune system. Summary: The age-related loss of muscle and bone tissue may be partially explained by an impaired immune system via chronic low-grade inflammation. Exercise training has a beneficial effect on immune system function and aging muscle and bone. Theoretically, the "cross-talk" between the immune system, muscle, and bone in response to exercise enhances aging musculoskeletal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Resistance exercise induces muscle growth and is an important treatment for age-related losses in muscle mass and strength. Myokines are hypothesized as a signal conveying physiological information to skeletal muscle, possibly to "fine-tune" other regulatory pathways. While myokines are released from skeletal muscle following contraction, their role in increasing muscle mass and strength in response to resistance exercise or training is not established. Recent research identified both local and systemic release of myokines after an acute bout of resistance exercise. However, it is not known whether myokines with putative anabolic function are mechanistically involved in producing muscle hypertrophy after resistance exercise. Further, nitric oxide (NO), an important mediator of muscle stem cell activation, upregulates the expression of certain myokine genes in skeletal muscle.Method: In the systemic context of complex hypertrophic signaling, this review: (1) summarizes literature on several well-recognized, representative myokines with anabolic potential; (2) explores the potential mechanistic role of myokines in skeletal muscle hypertrophy; and (3) identifies future research required to advance our understanding of myokine anabolism specifically in skeletal muscle.Result: This review establishes a link between myokines and NO production, and emphasizes the importance of considering systemic release of potential anabolic myokines during resistance exercise as complementary to other signals that promote hypertrophy.Conclusion: Investigating adaptations to resistance exercise in aging opens a novel avenue of interdisciplinary research into myokines and NO metabolites during resistance exercise, with the longer-term goal to improve muscle health in daily living, aging, and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Blood flow restricted resistance exercise (BFR-RE) is an emerging hypertrophy training modality. A complete profile of its mechanisms of action has yet to be elucidated. Cytokines are universal intercellular messengers. Recent research has implicated certain cytokines (termed "myokines") in skeletal muscle hypertrophy pathways; however, little research has been conducted on the systemic myokine response to BFR-RE as potential hypertrophic biomarkers. Therefore, this project was conducted to determine any differences in the systemic myokine response between BFR-RE and control conditions.Methods: The appearance of systemic myokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-15 (IL-15), and decorin were measured following acute bouts of low-load resistance exercise, BFR-RE, and high-load resistance exercise in physically active young males to determine if BFR-RE modifies the exercise-induced systemic myokine response.Results: No measurable levels of IL-6 were observed during the project. No significant effects were observed for IL-15. A significant time (11.91% increase pre to post exercise; p < 0.05) but no condition or condition by time effect was observed for decorin.Conclusion: These findings suggest that BFR-RE does not modify the systemic myokine appearance of IL-6, IL-15, or decorin when compared to control conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]