Effect of Plai cream [Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. syn. Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.] combined with ultrasound on delayed onset muscle soreness

Content Partner: Lincoln University. Plai cream (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) has been used as a remedy for release pain and inflammation of musculoskeletal problems. The enhancement of the anti-inflammatory effect of Plai cream by phonoporesis or ultrasound therapy is questionable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Plai cream combined with ultrasound in the treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Seventy-five volunteers were randomly allocated into 3 groups; 14 % Plai cream (5 cm long strip), ultrasound treatment (1MHz, 1watt.cm⁻²) for 5 min, and combined 14 % Plai cream and ultrasound for 5 min. The participants performed eccentric exercise (4 sets of 25 repetitions at a speed of 60°.s⁻¹) of dominant quadriceps using isokinetic dynamometry to induce DOMS. All participants received their allocated treatment once per day for the next 7 days. We found pain score, thigh circumference and serum creatine kinase were increased, while pressure pain threshold and muscle strength were decreased, but small changes of joint motion after intensive exercise (post-exercise day 1, 2, 3 & 7). However, there was no significant difference changes of all outcomes among three groups. In conclusion, combined 14 % Plai cream with ultrasound had no additional benefit at reducing DOMS compared to either14 % Plai cream alone or ultrasound alone.