Introduction: The current research aimed to measure the effects of one-month omega-3 supplement consumption on the most important symptoms of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in inactive healthy men.
Methods: The current research was a quasi-experimental and applied one in terms of purpose. The statistical population included inactive healthy men from Bukan City. Among them, 22 people were selected as a statistical sample and they were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Participants received a daily dose of 1000 mg omega-3 capsule or a 2% dextrose placebo for one month. After determining 1RM, participants performed the leg press in four sets of 20 repetitions using a leg press machine with a weight of 80% of 1RM. Each contraction lasted 4 seconds. Two ccs of venous blood were drawn by a specialist before the start of the study, 24, 48, and 72 hours after DOMS and measurements were made. For statistical analysis, independent t, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni's post hoc tests were used. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.
Results: Between-group comparison of PGE2, cortisol, pain perception and knee range of motion in all stages of the study in both control and supplement groups had significant differences (P<0.001). The results of the within-group test showed that the average PGE2, cortisol, and pain perception in the supplement group had a significant decrease in all post-intervention stages, while in the control group, there was a significant increase in all stages (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Taking omega-3 supplements can reduce the appearance, functional and biochemical symptoms of DOMS in the period after the completion of eccentric and concentric exercises; which can be due to the strong anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 and the better response of the research participants to omega-3 consumption and better digestive absorption of this supplement.