J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2002 Oct;26(5):571-575.

The Efficacy of Aspirin and Acetaminophen in the Management of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

• Kim KH
• Kang YS
• Seok H
• Noh JR
• Moon JH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of commonly available analgesics in the management of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) over an 8-day period, and to compare the efficacy between aspirin and acetaminophen. METHOD: Forty-two subjects were recruited. DOMS was induced by using the isokinetic dynamometer (KinCom(R)) in standardized fashion in the nondominant knee extensor with subjects seated at 30 degree-angle velocity. Subjects were asked to extend their non-dominant knee with concentric method and to hold the knee with eccentric flexion force at 30 degree-angle velocity, with maximal efforts. On this way, they did 10 repetitions, and then 3 cycles. We categorized four groups (n=10, for each group), that were control group with no medication, placebo group with placebo medication (antacid tablets), aspirin group with medication of 900 mg of aspirin, and acetaminophen group with medication with 3,900 mg of acetaminophen. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS: twice a day, until on day 8). and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ: on day 1 and 3) were measured.
RESULTS
We didn't find any significant difference of peak VAS score and relief time between four groups (P>0.05), The score of MPQ was not different between four groups (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
We concluded that the medication may not be beneficial, at least at the doses stated, in the management of DOMS.

Keyword

NSAIDs; Delayed-onset muscle soreness; Muscular pain

MeSH Terms

2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Methylamphetamine
Acetaminophen*
Analgesics
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Aspirin*
Knee
Myalgia*
Pain Measurement
2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Methylamphetamine
Acetaminophen
Analgesics
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Aspirin