Partial immobilization after eccentric exercise does not enhance recovery from muscle damage

Abstract

Immobilization treatment is effective for minimizing the use of the injured tissue to prevent further damage and promote the processes of repair and regeneration. It has been reported that 4-days of strict arm immobilization facilitates recovery of muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) after eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors (Sayers et al., Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000, 2003). Whilst fixating the arm in a cast at all time for the duration of immobilization maximizes the effect of inactivity, it is a procedure which subjects find uncomfortable and therefore is of questionable practical benefit as a therapeutic modality. If an immobilization treatment involving use of a simple sling to secure the elbow joint could be shown to have positive effects in enhancing recovery from injury, it would have important practical implications. This study investigated whether a light immobilization regimen in which one arm was secured in a sling for 4 days after eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors would reduce muscle soreness and enhance recovery compared to control arm.