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A Comparison Of Topical Menthol To Ice On Pain, Evoked Tetanic And Voluntary Force During Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Pramod Johar, Varun Grover, Robert V. Topp, David G. Behm

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose/Background: Pain can adversely affect muscle functioning by inhibiting muscle contractions. Delayed onset muscle soreness was used as a tool to ascertain whether a topical menthol-based analgesic or ice was more effective at reducing pain and permitting greater muscular voluntary and evoked force. Methods: Sixteen subjects were randomized to receive either a topical gel containing 3.5% menthol or topical application of ice to the non-dominant elbow flexors two days following the performance of an exercise designed to induce muscle soreness. Two days later, DOMS discomfort was treated with a menthol based analgesic or ice. Maximum voluntary contractions and evoked tetanic …