Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part D (2025)

Background: Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common phenomenon experienced after unaccustomed or high-intensity exercise, leading to pain, stiffness, and temporary functional impairment. Modalities such as ultrasound and cryotherapy are widely used in physiotherapy practice for pain relief and recovery, but their combined effectiveness in DOMS requires further evaluation.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed ultrasound and cryotherapy in reducing pain associated with DOMS.

Methodology: A total of 20 male subjects aged 20-25 years were selected and induced with DOMS in the non-dominant biceps using 2 kg dumbbells until fatigue. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (control, n=10) received no treatment, while Group B (experimental, n=10) received pulsed ultrasound (0.8 W/cm² for 10 minutes) and cryotherapy (10 minutes) for three consecutive days. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after treatment.

Results: Group A showed a mean reduction of 1.5 points on the VAS, while Group B demonstrated a mean reduction of 3.5 points. Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in pain reduction in the experimental group compared to the control group (t=2.63).

Conclusion: The study concludes that the combination of pulsed ultrasound and cryotherapy is more effective in reducing pain associated with DOMS compared to no treatment. This combined approach may enhance recovery by improving blood flow, reducing muscle soreness, and facilitating early return to activity. Further studies with larger sample sizes and diverse populations are recommended.