Estimulação elétrica de baixa frequência reduz a dor e aumenta a amplitude de movimento após a indução de dor muscular de início tardio (DMIT)

Abstract

Physical exercise is a behavioral practice that is associated with numerous health benefits, however adherence to regular practice involves intense training, which often culminates in delayed onset muscle pain (DOMS), which may be one of the reasons for giving up exercise. continuity of training. The objective was to evaluate the impact of using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on DOMS. 22 healthy individuals were recruited and performed exercise sessions to induce DOMS of the biceps brachii. After 48 hours of exercise, participants underwent an electroanalgesia session using TENS, with a frequency of 10 Hz, pulse width of 500 μs, time of 30 minutes and the intensity being the maximum tolerated by the subjects. Before and after electroanalgesia, the subjects were evaluated regarding pain perception, algometry and range of motion (ROM) of the elbow. After the application of TENS, there was an increase in ROM: elbow flexion until pain (P = 0.01) and maximum flexion (P = 0.004), elbow extension until pain (P = 0.002) and maximum extension (P < 0 , 0001), the pain level reduced quantitatively through the algometer (P = 0.02) and subjectively, through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (P <0.0001). Thus, it is possible to state that TENS is capable of promoting muscle recovery after DOMS induction, as it improves aspects involved with muscle damage, and can be a strategy adopted to minimize its effects on physical exercise practitioners.