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Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)NCT07324395

Posterior Chain Responses to Gastrocnemius DOMS

A study testing Gastrocnemius DOMS Induction Protocol in people with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and Healthy, run by Ebru Aloğlu Çiftçi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) affects the muscles of the posterior chain and physical performance in healthy young adults. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), Healthy
What is being tested?
Gastrocnemius DOMS Induction Protocol
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
14 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
20 Dec 2022to 25 Apr 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 25 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • The study included 14 volunteers aged 18-25 with a resting heart rate between 50 and 90 beats per minute who were right-handed.

Who cannot join

  • Individuals who had undergone lower extremity injury or surgery in the past six months were excluded from the study. Those with chronic lower extremity pain or systemic or neurological diseases were also excluded. Participants with vision or hearing problems that could affect balance were excluded. Individuals who regularly used medication, smoked, consumed alcohol, or used other harmful substances were also excluded. Participants who regularly used caffeine or vitamin C supplements or who had an exercise habit were also excluded from the study.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site

  • Istinye University Topkapi Campus, Maltepe, Teyyareci Sami St. No:3,

    Istanbul, Zeytinburnu, 34010

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in the Gastrocnemius Alters Biomechanical, Viscoelastic Properties, and Trunk Endurance in the Posterior Chain Muscles

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) affects the muscles of the posterior chain and physical performance in healthy young adults. The main questions the study aims to answer are:

Does DOMS in the calf muscle change the biomechanical properties (tone, stiffness, elasticity) of other muscles in the posterior chain?

Read more

Does DOMS lower trunk endurance, muscle strength, balance, or jump performance?

Participants will:

Take part in a gastrocnemius exercise protocol designed to safely create DOMS

Complete repeated assessments at baseline, immediately after exercise, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours

Have their muscle properties measured with a handheld device

Complete trunk endurance tests, muscle strength tests, balance tests, and a vertical jump test

Provide a blood sample to measure creatine kinase (a marker of muscle damage)

This research may help clinicians better understand how soreness in one muscle can influence the whole posterior chain and may guide safer training and recovery strategies.

Read the detailed description

This prospective repeated-measures clinical trial includes healthy adults aged 18-25 years. DOMS will be induced using a standardized exercise protocol targeting the gastrocnemius muscle. Outcome measures will be collected at five time points: baseline, immediately after the DOMS-inducing exercise, and 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise.

Primary outcomes include muscle biomechanical properties such as muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, relaxation, and creep, measured using a digital myotonometer. Trunk endurance is also assessed as a primary outcome because of the posterior chain's role in load transfer and stabilization.

Secondary outcomes include:

Muscle strength

Dynamic balance performance

Vertical jump height

Pain pressure threshold

Serum creatine kinase levels to confirm muscle damage

To reduce assessment bias, each assessor is responsible for only one measurement type and is blinded to the DOMS-induction procedure. All assessments occur at the same time points for all participants.

The study aims to provide new information about how localized muscle soreness affects chain-related muscle behavior and functional performance. Findings may contribute to improved injury-prevention, training, and rehabilitation strategies, especially for populations exposed to high mechanical load.

Being tested
Gastrocnemius DOMS Induction Protocol
Keywords
Delayed onset muscle soreness, posterior chain muscles, Trunk Endurance, muscle stiffness

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Gastrocnemius DOMS Induction ProtocolOther

    Participants will complete an eccentric exercise protocol to safely induce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the gastrocnemius muscle. The protocol includes:

    Exercise performed bilaterally, starting with the dominant leg Three sets of eccentric heel-lowering movements A 5-minute rest period between sets Participants place the foot on a step and lower the heel for 3 seconds using eccentric contraction The heel is lowered until no further downward motion is possible The opposite leg is used only to lift the body back to the starting position in 1 second A metronome set to 60 beats per minute is used to control movement speed Each set ends when the participant can no longer maintain the required tempo Participants are instructed to avoid physical activity and not take any pain-relieving medication during the 72-hour follow-up period.

    Intervention Model Description: All participants receive the same DOMS induction protocol.

Study groups in NCT07324395
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
DOMS Induction ArmExperimentalParticipants in this arm will complete a standardized exercise protocol designed to induce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the gastrocnemius muscle. All assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after the DOMS protocol, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours.
Receives: Other: Gastrocnemius DOMS Induction Protocol

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Muscle Biomechanical Properties (Muscle Tone)

    Muscle tone (F) will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Measurements will be recorded in Hertz (Hz). Measurements will be taken three times for each muscle segment, and the average value will be calculated.

    Standardized anatomical landmarks were used for each muscle:

    Gastrocnemius: measured at the thickest part of the medial head, approximately 10 cm below the popliteal crease. The location was confirmed with a tape measure to account for individual differences. Hamstrings: measured with the participant in a prone position, at the midpoint between the ischial tuberosity and the fibular head. Gluteus maximus: measured at the thickest portion of the muscle identified by palpation while the participant was prone. Erector spinae: measured 2.5 cm lateral to the L5 spinous process in the prone position. Measurement points were marked on the skin to en

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

  2. Muscle Biomechanical Properties (Muscle Stiffness)

    Muscle stiffness (S) will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Results will be reported in Newtons per meter (N/m).

    Measurements will be taken three times for each muscle segment, and the average value will be calculated. Standardized anatomical landmarks were used for each muscle: Gastrocnemius: measured at the thickest part of the medial head, approximately 10 cm below the popliteal crease. The location was confirmed with a tape measure to account for individual differences. Hamstrings: measured with the participant in a prone position, at the midpoint between the ischial tuberosity and the fibular head. Gluteus maximus: measured at the thickest portion of the muscle identified by palpation while the participant was prone. Erector spinae: measured 2.5 cm lateral to the L5 spinous process in the prone position. Measurement points were marked on the skin to en

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

  3. Muscle Biomechanical Properties (Muscle Elasticity)

    Muscle elasticity will be characterized by the logarithmic decrement (D) measured using the MyotonPRO device. This is a unitless (relative) value representing the ability of the muscle to restore its shape after deformation. Measurements will be taken three times for each muscle segment, and the average value will be calculated. Standardized anatomical landmarks were used for each muscle: Gastrocnemius: measured at the thickest part of the medial head, approximately 10 cm below the popliteal crease. The location was confirmed with a tape measure to account for individual differences. Hamstrings: measured with the participant in a prone position, at the midpoint between the ischial tuberosity and the fibular head. Gluteus maximus: measured at the thickest portion of the muscle identified by palpation while the participant was prone. Erector spinae: measured 2.5 cm lateral to the L5 spinous process in the prone position. Measurement points were marked on the skin to en

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

  4. Muscle Biomechanical Properties (Muscle Relaxation Time)

    Mechanical stress relaxation time (R) will be measured using the MyotonPRO to assess the time the muscle takes to return to rest following deformation. Results will be reported in milliseconds (ms).

    Measurements will be taken three times for each muscle segment, and the average value will be calculated. Standardized anatomical landmarks were used for each muscle: Gastrocnemius: measured at the thickest part of the medial head, approximately 10 cm below the popliteal crease. The location was confirmed with a tape measure to account for individual differences. Hamstrings: measured with the participant in a prone position, at the midpoint between the ischial tuberosity and the fibular head. Gluteus maximus: measured at the thickest portion of the muscle identified by palpation while the participant was prone. Erector spinae: measured 2.5 cm lateral to the L5 spinous process in the prone position. Measurement points were marked on the skin to en

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

  5. Muscle Biomechanical Properties (Muscle Creep)

    Muscle creep will be assessed as the ratio of relaxation and deformation time (Creep (C)) using the MyotonPRO device. This parameter is a relative unit and indicates viscoelastic behavior of the muscle.

    Measurements will be taken three times for each muscle segment, and the average value will be calculated. Standardized anatomical landmarks were used for each muscle: Gastrocnemius: measured at the thickest part of the medial head, approximately 10 cm below the popliteal crease. The location was confirmed with a tape measure to account for individual differences. Hamstrings: measured with the participant in a prone position, at the midpoint between the ischial tuberosity and the fibular head. Gluteus maximus: measured at the thickest portion of the muscle identified by palpation while the participant was prone. Erector spinae: measured 2.5 cm lateral to the L5 spinous process in the prone position. Measurement points were marked on the skin to en

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

  6. Trunk Endurance Assessment (Sorenson Test)

    Sorenson Test: Participants lay prone with their pelvis at the table edge and ankles secured. They held their upper body in a horizontal position, and the time they could maintain the position was recorded. The test ended when the participant could no longer keep the trunk horizontal.

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

  7. Trunk Endurance Assessment (Sit-up Test)

    Sit-up Test: Participants sat with knees flexed at 90° and their upper body positioned at a 60° angle. Arms were crossed over the chest. Time was recorded until the participant's upper body dropped below the 60° angle.

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

  8. Trunk endurance assessment (Side Bridge Test-Right and Left)

    Participants lay on their side and lifted their hips to form a straight line with the torso. The duration they could maintain this position was recorded. The test was performed on both sides.

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

Secondary outcomes (3)

  1. Muscle Strength

    Muscle strength of the gastrocnemius, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus was measured using a Lafayette hand-held dynamometer with the "make test" method. The results measured with the dynamometer were recorded in Newtons. Participants pushed against the fixed device with maximal effort for 3-5 seconds in standardized positions:

    Gastrocnemius: foot pushing against the wall in a reverse sit-up position.

    Hamstrings: prone position with the knee at 30° flexion; force applied toward knee flexion.

    Gluteus maximus: prone with knee at 90° flexion; force applied during hip extension.

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

  2. Dynamic balance performance

    Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test. Participants stood barefoot on the central platform and reached in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions while keeping their hands on their hips. Each direction included four practice trials and three test trials for each leg. Reach distances were recorded in centimeters and normalized to leg length. A composite score was calculated using the three reach directions. Leg dominance was determined by asking which leg the participant would use to kick a ball.

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

  3. Vertical jump test

    To assess participants' functional performance, a vertical jump test was administered. During the test, participants were asked to jump as high as possible with both feet in front of a platform fixed to the wall. First, the participant's normal arm length was determined by touching the highest point they could reach. Then, participants performed two trials to achieve the highest jump distance, and the best value was recorded. The difference between the jump distance and the normal arm length, calculated in centimeters, was used as a performance measure.

    Measured: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted7 Jan 2026
  2. Study start20 Dec 2022
  3. Primary completion20 Mar 2025
  4. Study completion25 Apr 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
14 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07324395
Sponsor's protocol ID
GDYY01
Status last verified
Dec 2025
First submitted
10 Dec 2025
Last updated
7 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: IPD will not be shared because the ethics approval for this study does not allow external sharing of participant data, even in de-identified form.

Publications

  • Baird MF, Graham SM, Baker JS, Bickerstaff GF. Creatine-kinase- and exercise-related muscle damage implications for muscle performance and recovery. J Nutr Metab. 2012;2012:960363. doi: 10.1155/2012/960363. Epub 2012 Jan 11.

    PubMed 22288008

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Gastrocnemius DOMS Induction Protocol in people with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and Healthy, run by Ebru Aloğlu Çiftçi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Muscle Biomechanical Properties (Muscle Tone) (time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post-DOMS, 48 hours post-DOMS, and 72 hours post-DOMS). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07324395, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Jan 2026.

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