Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness The exact cause of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is unknown. It is described as a consequence of mechanical and metabolic stress placed on skeletal muscle fibres. DOMS occurs as a result of microscopic tearing (micro trauma) of the muscle fibres and connective tissues. The extent of the tearing depends on the type of exercise and how vigorously the exercise is performed. Any new movements that a person is not accustomed to, may lead to DOMS. However eccentric muscle contractions seem to cause the most pain. Eccentric muscle movement is any movement that forces the muscle to contract while it lengthens. Contrary to popular belief, DOMS is not related to the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle that occurs after strenuous exercise. Even though lactic acid is a by-product of muscle metabolism, it is removed within the first hour after exercise and does not contribute to the symptoms of DOMS. During a workout, the skeletal muscle swells. The swelling is a result of an influx of white blood cells, prostaglandins, nutrients and fluids that flow into the muscle to repair any damage after a strenuous workout. This damage to the muscle occurs in the myofibrils and the influx of fluids is part of the normal process of repair and growth in the body. Metabolic stress seems to be to most plausible cause of DOMS, but what are these metabolic stresses and are the presence of these molecules necessarily the cause of DOMS? Is it reasonable to believe that the by-products of these cells can be related to the onset of muscle soreness? There is growing evidence that â€Å"free radicals† are a major contributing factor of DOMS. They are an unavoidable by-product of cellular metabolism. These molecules are highly reactive and unstable. The uncertainty of their role comes from the fact that they may not be present in high enough concentrations when DOMS is at its worst. The extreme increase of free radicals seems to occur after the peak decline in muscle function. A study done on the relationship between dehydration and DOMS, (Cleary, 2005), showed that increased body and muscle temperatures during exercise due to lack of fluid intake and dehydration, play a contributing role in micro trauma to the muscle fibres. The high muscle temperatures and resistance exercise result in the denaturing of proteins, and may affect the mechanical properties of the myofibrils, making them more susceptible to damage during eccentric activity. Dehydration and hyperthermia of the muscles may also lead to a disruption of the intercellular calcium regulation and overproduction of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which may also be a contributing factor to the micro-damage during exercise. Characteristics Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) can potentially be perceived as a love / hate relationship by many. A love relationship because DOMS can be viewed as a sign that yesterdays workout was rather effective, but a hate relationship because exercising again within the next day or two wont be comfortable. It can turn a simple walk up a flight of stairs into a painful five minute ordeal. DOMS is a phenomenon experienced by all individuals, no matter their fitness level. If an individual has recently begun exercising, or has just returned to exercising after a long break, they may soon become stiff and sore. This is a normal physiological response to increased exertion on any skeletal muscle. Characterized by an aching, dull pain in the affected muscle, typical symptoms may include:  Muscle tenderness, stiffness and / or soreness (may increase to the level of muscle pain)  Localised swelling (may be considered a cause and contributor to soreness)  Loss of mobility, reduced range of motion and resistance to stretching  Loss of muscle strength  Acute muscle spasms and twitches Symptoms begin to develop 24 48 hours after intense, unfamiliar exercise. The intensity of the symptoms will increase for the first 24 hours, reaching their peak within 72 hours. Thereafter they will begin to subside. Five to seven days after exercise, all symptoms should have disappeared. Muscle pain is not felt when the muscle is at rest, but rather when it is stretched, contracted or put under pressure. Not all symptoms may be present and they are independent of each other. The extent and duration of DOMS may vary from person to person, and the extent of DOMS is often related to the amount of resistance placed on the muscle during the prior exercise. Mechanisms Theodore Hough was the first to describe Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in 1902. He described DOMS as â€Å"fundamentally the result of ruptures within the muscle†. Today this description is still considered broadly valid, but the cellular mechanisms and etiology are still not fully known. New research shows that there are many theories behind the phenomenon of DOMS, none of which have been fully proven or disproved. It has been suggested that the muscle soreness is a result of an acute inflammatory response, but subsequent research failed to substantiate this theory conclusively. The first theories to emerge attributed DOMS to lactic acid accumulation and oedema of the tissues due to increased hydrogen ions. This is now considered highly unlikely as there is evidence to refute this theory. It has been proven that lactic acid cannot be responsible for the development of muscle spasm and soreness. As stated earlier, it is removed from the muscle within an hour after intense exercise, and soreness only tends to develop 24 hours later. Soreness does not involve the rupture of whole muscle fibres. DOMS results from high tension in the contractile / elastic system in muscles from eccentric exercise. This tension causes the muscle fibres (myofibrils) and connective tissue to become structurally damaged or torn. Damage normally occurs from the ultrastructural disruptions of myofilaments at the z-line, a line that marks the boundary of adjacent sarcomeres. This leads to an imbalance of calcium levels and necrosis of damaged cells and surrounding tissue. Tissue damage and necrosis may be most directly related to the soreness that is experienced. Pain is experienced when the muscle is stretched or palpated because of the increased mechanical sensitivity of nociceptors. The onset of soreness is delayed because the mild inflammatory response that does result from nocioceptor sensitization, is a slow process. The relationship between damage, inflammation and soreness is not yet completely understood, and the most accepted clinical correlates associate DOMS with elevated plasma enzymes, myoglobinemia, and abnormal skeletal muscle histology. Although not fully proven, this theory is most often used to explain the relationship between the symptoms of DOMS and the mechanisms behind it.  High tensions in the contractile / elastic system of the muscle result in structural damage.  Cell membrane damage leads to disruption of calcium homeostasis causing necrosis that peaks between 24 48 hours after exercise.  Products of macrophage activity and intracellular contents accumulate in the interstitial fluid These stimulate the free nerve endings of sensory neurons in the muscles leading to the sensation of DOMS. Treatment A significantly effective treatment method has not yet been established to accelerate the recovery from DOMS. A variety of treatment strategies may assist in alleviating the symptoms and severity of DOMS. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, appear to moderately inhibit the inflammatory response and thereby provide pain relief. It has, however, no positive effect on the muscle weakness associated with DOMS. The regular use of NSAIDs could also lead to adverse side effects, primarily upper gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding due to mucosal damage. Homeopathy is a safe, natural treatment method with very few side effects. Traumeel is an effective homeopathic preparation used as an alternative to NSAIDs for the treatment of inflammatory conditions brought on by exercise-induced micro trauma and other sports injuries. In a double blind clinical trial involving 50 athletes, Jordaan (2005) tested certain inflammation markers such as serum creatine kinase, differential white blood cell levels and serum cortisol. The treatment group showed higher levels of plasma cortisol than the placebo group for up to 96 hours post exercise. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, will have an anti-inflammatory effect and also slow the migration of phagocytic cells into the area. This effect was illustrated by a significantly lower mean monocyte count in the treatment group in the first 96 hours after exercise, implying reduced macrophage activity. Arnica is another homeopathic remedy that is often used in the treatment of DOMS, but both oral and topical admi nistration of Arnica has so far proven ineffective under clinical trial conditions. Acupuncture and dry needling have also been suggested as an effective treatment for DOMS. Studies show that the best results are achieved when the acupuncture needles are applied directly to the tender points. According to Robertshawe (2009), acupuncture is effective in reducing the perception of pain, but had no significant effect on participants mechanical pain threshold or muscle function after DOMS had been induced. Therapeutic options:  Therapeutic massage stimulates blood circulation to promote healing and repair. Massage has no effect on the improvement of muscle function, except to reduce muscle soreness and oedema.  Cryotherapy (icing) of the injured muscle seems to be the most effective way of reducing muscle pain related to DOMS.  Ultrasound and electrical current modalities has demonstrated little effectiveness in the reduction of symptoms.  Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy, (supersaturating the blood with O2), decreases the healing time of the damaged muscle fibres and connective tissue. Increasing blood oxygen levels leads to improved blood circulation, healing and repair. Exercise:  Light exercise with reduced eccentric movements, have an analgesic effect for the temporary relief of pain.  Gentle stretching has been proven to have little effect on muscle pain, but many athletes have claimed that it simply makes them â€Å"feel better†. Dietary options:  Research has emerged that Vitamin C plays a role in the repair of connective tissue, however this has not yet been proven in any clinical trials.  The use of anti-oxidants prior to exercise, in a fight against the free radical by-products of cellular metabolism, can reduce and possibility prevent DOMS.  Protease supplements have proved to be effective in the prevention and recovery of DOMS. Supplementation may facilitate muscle healing and promote restoration of contractile function. An experimental group demonstrated significantly superior recovery of contractile function and diminished effects of DOMS. Any muscle injury needs rest for the muscle fibres to heal effectively. Most treatment strategies do not promote rapid healing of the damaged tissue, even though they do alleviate the muscle soreness and pain. Exercise-induced muscle damage is a normal response; muscles attempt to protect themselves against repeated exercise sessions, to avoid serious tissue damage. It would appear that even though there are numerous therapies and treatments that are effective in reducing some of the symptoms of DOMS, none of them are able to completely alleviate all of the symptoms or successfully prevent the occurrence of DOMS. Until all the mechanisms of DOMS are better understood, the best cure would be prevention of DOMS by gradual introduction of novel exercise, especially after long periods of inactivity.

Roman propaganda vs. Todays propaganda :: essays research papers

Propaganda is when someone uses allegations, ideas, or rumors to further their own cause and hurt someone else. I do believe that the Romans used this method to make themselves and their empire look better. The Romans might have been some of the first rulers to use propaganda, but since their time we have seen many political leaders use the same methods to make themselves achieve a higher level of affection from the people under them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first sign to me of their propaganda was their architecture. First, I believe the gigantic statues and buildings represent the idea that the Romans had wealth because they could afford to build and decorate such an extravagant thing. Second, I think they were also supposed to portray that they had high intelligence because they could create the architectural wonders that had never been done before. Lastly, I think that they wanted every one to believe their army was undefeatable because most of their statues or monuments portrayed massive victories in battle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I think that the characteristics that they portrayed helped them in their propaganda by making the people think that the leaders must be worthy because they were able to have all of these things. In my opinion, they built these structures not only to try to make the roman people believe they had all these characteristics, but also for other societies to hear about or see and be either intimidated or astonished by their empire.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In today’s society, the politicians in the United States do not build elaborate buildings as propaganda. I think the main reason for this is all the architecture of the government was built long before they came into office. For example, the White House in Washington D.C. was built long before President Bush came into office and it was never meant to be changed. Even though they do not build architecture, I do believe they use it when it comes to buildings that are already there. I took notice that when the President addressed the nation during the first few hours of the War he was sitting in his office not in the pressroom. Looking back to me it was as if he wanted to give the impression that it was just another obstacle and he was calm and working in his office at home. Even though the White House is equipped with many offices and people, it is still called the â€Å"White House,† so when the T.

Cultural Enlightenment

They have access to large listening libraries, state-of-the-art recording studios, Instrumental combos, and regular master classes given by a variety of highly successful, working Jazz musicians. Graduates find work In a variety of settings as arrangers, ensemble directors, vocal coaches, recording engineers and producers, jingle singers, jazz artists, educators, theme-park and cruise-line entertainers, contemporary Christian singers, pop/rock singers, cabaret and club performers, back- p singers, and even arts administrators and managers.I thought about attending my first concert as an audience member, as I watched choir members Join their ranks. I was not sure what my reaction would be. Would I feel moved by the music? Would it put me in that fantastic trance of both energy and peace? As I watched the choir file on stage as part of their Vocal Jazz Ensemble Concert, I noticed many new faces mixed In with the familiar. I thought fondly back to my first weeks in the church choir as I was growing up. The music began before I knew If I was ready.After Just a few notes, though, I began to relax. I was still In the sanctuary. The experience was different. My nerves were running high, but the music still took me n TTS nana, Ana gently lea me to Tanat place AT Inner peace. Can song was an exploration of different texture and flavor of music. The music was introspective and thought provoking, bold and inspiring. Most importantly, the music was an escape. Music creates a wall of protection from those concerns. That is its power.I Joyously left the peaceful sanctuary so beautifully created by the choir on Friday night. Yet, I continue to hold that reminder of God's presence in my heart. It's a place I can go to when I need strength or peace. The music continues to live through this choir, and I know that their witness has inspired me. It is my hope and prayer that everyone who is a part of this wonderful process-director, choir members, and audience alike-will continue to carry this purpose and message with them. â€Å"The music lives! † Praise the LORD! [pick]

The Oedipus Complex - Sigmund Freud vs. Jacques Lacan Essay

The Oedipus Complex - Sigmund Freud vs. Jacques Lacan The story of Sophocles Oedipus Tyrannus has been interpreted by innumerable writers, philosophers, and critics in countless ways; the methods of interpreting Oedipus vary from mad rages and blind accusations to ignorantly perverse acts ranging from basic sexual desire to pre-destined fate ordained by the gods. Perhaps the most famous psychoanalyst in history Sigmund Freud theorized that Oedipus story was applicable to all. French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan translated Freud into French and, though Lacan claimed to agree completely with Freuds ideas, he substantially changed Freuds theories. As Jurgen Braungardt says, Lacan performs a renovation: he replaces the foundation†¦show more content†¦Thus, the desire for the mother is repressed and becomes subconscious. It is at this point that the development of what Freud identified as the super-ego, synonymous with the conscience, occurs. According to Freud, the super-ego is the unconscious component of the mind that stores all o f societys expectations, moral values, etc., suppressing the base desires of the id (the unconscious place in the mind that houses all our base, instinctive desires) and ego (the part of the mind where all conscious thought occurs). Because the ego and super-ego are unconscious, they are more powerful than if they were conscious; we have no realization of what is happening in them, and therefore cannot control or even recognize, what happens in those corners of the mind. This creates a conflict between the ego, id, and super-ego. Davis explains it like this: [L]ife for the ego is miserable: caught always between the conflicting and totally irreconcilable demands of, on the one hand, the id, and, on the other, the super-ego: what the ego obscurely feels it wants, its id-derived desires, it cant have, nor can it even admit that it wants them; what it feels it must do, the fierce imperatives of the superego, it cant, nor can it even admit these imperatives into awareness. (Davis) There are two main discrepancies within Freuds theory: First, everything is about sex. Many have trouble accepting that all human desires areShow MoreRelatedCleanth Brookss Essay Irony as a Principle of Structure9125 Words   |  37 PagesMarx’s own. The problem with Marx is precisely to take his method and his system as we find them and to demonstrate that they form a coherent unity that must be preserved. The opposite is true of Hegel. The task he imposes is to separate out from the complex web of ideas with its sometimes glaring contradictions all the seminal elements of his thought and rescue them as a vital intellectual force for the present. He is a more profitable and potent thinker than many people imagine. And as I see it, the