Author(s): YAO, L., LIU, D., Institution: BEIJING SPORT UNIVERSITY, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 2360

INTRODUCTION:
Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a complex subacute pain syndrome involving interrelated muscular, fascial, and neural dysfunctions. While conventional recovery modalities often target single physiological pathways, the multi-level pathophysiology of DOMS suggests the need for multi-target interventions. Whole-body vibration (WBV) modulates neuromuscular function via neural inhibition, whereas tissue flossing (TF) uniquely targets fascial mechanics and local microcirculation. Despite their individual benefits, the potential synergistic effect of integrating these two distinct mechanical stimuli immediately post-exercise remains unexplored. This study investigated whether a combined TF and WBV protocol provides superior clinical outcomes in alleviating pain and accelerating functional recovery compared to isolated applications.
METHODS:
Forty-eight healthy, untrained males (age: 20.6 +/- 2.0 y; BMI: 22.5 +/- 1.7 kg/m2) were randomized into four groups (n=12 each): Control (CON), Tissue Flossing (TF), Whole-Body Vibration (WBV), and Combined (TF+WBV). DOMS was induced via 10 sets of 12 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions (60 deg/s) of the dominant quadriceps. Interventions were applied immediately post-exercise: TF utilized thigh compression (150 mmHg) with active squats; WBV involved squats on a vibration platform (50 Hz, 3 mm amplitude); TF+WBV performed simultaneous vibration and flossing; CON rested. Clinical assessments included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), passive knee Range of Motion (PROM), and Peak Torque (PT). Serum Creatine Kinase (CK) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed to assess structural and metabolic stress. Measurements were taken at baseline, 0h, 24h, 48h, and 72h.
RESULTS:
A significant group x time interaction was observed for VAS (p < 0.05). The TF+WBV group showed superior pain relief, with significantly lower VAS scores compared to CON and TF at 0h, and sustained lower levels than CON through 72h. Regarding mechanical hyperalgesia, PPT was significantly higher in WBV and TF+WBV groups than CON immediately post-intervention (p < 0.05), with all interventions showing benefits over CON at 24-72h. While serum CK elevation and PT recovery showed no significant group differences, LDH levels were significantly suppressed in the TF and TF+WBV groups compared to CON at 72h (p < 0.05), suggesting reduced late-stage metabolic stress.
CONCLUSION:
The integration of Tissue Flossing and Whole-Body Vibration represents an effective multimodal rehabilitation strategy for managing DOMS. This combination provides synergistic benefits in alleviating pain and mechanical hyperalgesia, potentially mediated by enhanced metabolic clearance (suppressed LDH) and neural modulation. While it does not accelerate primary structural repair (CK), this strategy is highly recommended for acute symptom management in clinical and sports settings to facilitate earlier return to activity.