Recommendations for the Avoidance of Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness.

Describes the possible causes of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which include buildup of lactic acid in muscle, increased intracellular calcium concentration, increased intramuscular inflammation, and muscle fiber and connective tissue damage. Proposed methods to reduce DOMS include warming up before exercise and performing repeated bouts of eccentric exercise within 1-6 weeks of the initial bout. (SM)