An evaluation of delayed-onset muscle soreness in luteal and follicular phases of menstrual cycle among healthy untrained female students

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after eccentric exercises would limit the efficacy of athletes. This study was designed to investigate the rate of DOMS in luteal and follicular phases of menstrual cycle (an indirect assesment of possible role estrogen) among healthy untrained female students Twenty-six healthy untrained female students, ranged between 18-25 years old were assigned into two groups based on their menstrual cycle: Mid-luteal (ML) (n=14) and Mid-follicular (MF) (n=12). To induce DOMS, all participants walked downwardly on treadmill, declined 20 degrees, 5 km/h, for 30 minutes. DOMS criteria (serum creatine kinase, pressure pain threshold, muscle soreness and thigh circumference), and average peak torque of dominant knee extensor were recorded at baseline, 24 and 48 hours post-exercise. Both groups showed significant perception of DOMS symptoms as compared to their baseline levels (p<0.05). Although, the severity of DOMS was lower in the ML group as compared with the MF group, but the difference was not significant. The findings of this study showed that DOMS got perceived in both experimental groups with a milder severity in ML group. The milder severity in the ML group may be contributed to the higher level of estrogen.