Abstract des Autors

Eccentric exercise has been shown to lead to structural damage of skeletal muscle fibers related to the syndrome of delayed onset muscle soreness, DOMS. There is an increase in the plasma activity level of various muscle enzymes (i.e. creatine kinase) as a consequence of the disturbed integrity of the cell membrane. The functional consequence of the muscle cell damage is a pronounced and prolonged loss of muscle force. The histopathological changes are characterized by a loss of the sarcomeric organization mostly in the A-band and the Z-line. If muscle biopsies are taken several days after the injury, signs of interstitial inflammation as well as reparation are found. Muscle satellite cells are activated and seem responsible for the restitution of structural integrity. The damage may persist for several weeks and may, if repeated, lead to permanent interstitial fibrosis and other signs of muscle fiber pathology. The prevention of DOMS should reasonably consist in a carefully designed training schedule in particular with regard to repetitive eccentric work. Indomethacin has been shown to decrease significantly the incidence of muscle histopathological findings in mice if the drug is administered before the exercise bout. Therapeutic actions such as local heat, massage, ointments etc. do not seem to improve healing but may reduce local pain. Verf.-Referat