title: Prophylactic Effects of Sauna on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness of the Wrist Extensors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  High-intensity of exercise or unaccustomed eccentric exercise can cause the phenomenon of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage (EIMD) which usually results in cramps, muscle strain, impaired muscle function and delayed-onset muscle soreness.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the prophylactic effects of sauna towards the symptoms associated with muscle damage from eccentric exercises of wrist extensor muscle group.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of twenty-eight subjects (mean age 20.9 years old, SD = 1.6) were randomly divided into the sauna group (n = 14) and the control group (n = 14). In the sauna group, subjects received sauna before eccentric exercise of the wrist extensor. The eccentric exercises were conducted on the non-dominant arm by using an isokinetic dynamometer. Pain Intensity (PI), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) and passive range of motion of wrist flexion (PF-ROM) and extension (PE-ROM) were measured as pain variables. Grip Strength (GS) and Wrist Extension Strength (WES) were measured as variables of wrist extensor muscle function. All the measurements were performed at baseline, immediately after and from 1st to 8th days after the exercise-induced muscle damage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sauna group significantly demonstrated a lower deficit in ROM (passive flexion and passive extension), GS and WES following exercise than that of the control group (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sauna application prior to the exercise-induced muscle damage demonstrated effectiveness in reduction of sensory impairment (PF-ROM and PE-ROM) and improvement of muscle functions (GS, and WES) in wrist extensor muscle group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Neuro-Musculoskeletal and Pain Research Unit, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand.
authors.forename: Peanchai
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Khamwong
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Neuro-Musculoskeletal and Pain Research Unit, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand.
authors.forename: Aatit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paungmali
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Neuro-Musculoskeletal and Pain Research Unit, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand.
authors.forename: Ubon
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Pirunsan
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Neuro-Musculoskeletal and Pain Research Unit, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai, Thailand ; Physiotherapy Program, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Leonard
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Joseph
keywords: Delayed-onset Muscle Soreness; Hyperthermia, Induced; Muscle Strength; Prevention; Sensation