The Effects of Low-Volt, Microamperage Stimulation on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

The efficacy of low-volt, microamperage stimulation (LVMAS) in the treatment of wounds and fractures has been demonstrated. Although these devices are also commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, the efficacy of this practice has not been demonstrated. In this study, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) served as a model for musculoskeletal injury to compare daily treatment with LVMAS and static stretching to a placebo treatment and static stretching. DOMS was induced in the elbow flexor muscle group in 16 subjects, who were evaluated for pain, elbow flexor muscle group strength, and elbow extension range of motion. These data were collected before the eccentric exercise bout, before and after treatment 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours following the exercise bout, and again 196 hours after the exercise bout. No significant differences were found between LVMAS and placebo treatments on any of the variables across the duration of the study, but the LVMAS did provide a transient analgesic effect 24 and 48 hours following the eccentric exercise.