Effect of static magnetic therapy on recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of static magnetic therapy on the pain and stiffness associated with delayed onset muscle soreness. Therapeutic static magnets are sold worldwide and are claimed to reduce pain and enhance recovery by improving blood supply to body tissues. Although anecdotal stories abound regarding the effectiveness of static magnetic therapy, the research evidence is equivocal. Design: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study design. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: Twenty (10 males, 10 females) untrained, healthy individuals ages 18-32 participated in the study. Methods: Subjects performed two sets of 25 maximal eccentric elbow flexion repetitions on an isokinetic dynamometer to induce muscular soreness. Immediately after the eccentric exercise session, subjects' arms were randomly assigned to either magnetic or placebo treatments, which were administered via an armband. The armbands were worn continually, except during bathing, for the next 7 days. Pain perception, elbow range of motion, maximal isometric strength, and upper arm girth were assessed using a visual analog scale, Leighton flexometer, isokinetic dynamometer, and Gulick tape, respectively. Results: A repeated measures group by time ANOVA was used to compare changes between placebo and magnetic treatment. No significant differences between magnetic and placebo control arms were noted for any of the outcome measures. Conclusions: Results indicate that static magnetic therapy had no effect on the pain associated with DOMS nor did it speed recovery when compared to a placebo control. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.