NON-PHARMACEUTICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR MANAGING DELAYED-ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS IN RUSSIAN ATHLETES FOLLOWING STRENGTH TRAINING

Abstract

Aim: this study aimed to systematically identify the prevalence and perceived efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions employed by Russian athletes to mitigate DOMS following strength training. Materials and methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 930 students (mean age: 19.7 ± 0.07 years; training experience: 10.07 ± 0.14 years) at Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health, St. Petersburg, Russia. The cohort comprised 63.3% females and 36.7% males, with over half (n = 518) being highly qualified athletes. Results. Among respondents, 369 (39.8%) reported experiencing severe DOMS following strength training (from seven to ten points on a ten-point scale). The most frequently used non-pharmaceutical interventions included physical activity, massage, heat/cold therapies, compression garments, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc. Notably, only 21 respondents (5.7%) with severe DOMS reported no relief. Conclusions. The findings indicate that non-pharmaceutical interventions, particularly stretching, warm-up routines, massage, and self-massage, are widely perceived as the most effective for reducing DOMS following strength training.