The effects of exercise-induced muscle damage on varying intensities of endurance running performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Burt, D.; Doma, K.; Connor, J.

Abstract

Objectives
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) on sub-maximal and maximal effort running performance.
News
Physiological responses during sub-maximal running across two exercise stages (low intensity < 75%
and high intensity > 75%
) were meta-analytically examined 24- and 48-hours after EIMD. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), intramuscular enzymes (creatine kinase [CK] and myoglobin [Mb]) and muscle function at the same time points were examined to confirm EIMD. Alterations to maximal-effort running performance 24- and 48-hours after EIMD were qualitatively analysed.
Prospects and projects
Significant increases in DOMS, intramuscular enzymes, and decreases in muscle function were found 24 and 48 h after EIMD (P < 0.05). During low intensity running (< 75%
), running economy (RE) and ventilation (
) were unchanged 24 h after EIMD (P > 0.05), however, were significantly increased at 48 h (P < 0.05). Physiological responses during high intensity running (> 75%
) were all significantly increased 24 and 48 h after EIMD (P < 0.05). There was insufficient number of studies for maximal-effort running performance (time-to-exhaustion and time-trial performance) to be meta-analysed, however, 3 studies reported that outcome measures were impaired for up to 48 h post-EIMD.
Conclusion
Endurance runners contemplating eccentric exercise to improve performance should consider the effects that EIMD has on running performance and periodise training accordingly.

Citation

Burt, D., Doma, K., & Connor, J. (2023). The effects of exercise-induced muscle damage on varying intensities of endurance running performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Science and Sports, 38(7), 647-662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2022.04.003

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Apr 12, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jan 7, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-10
• Deposit Date: Jul 15, 2025
• Journal: Science & Sports
• Print ISSN: 0765-1597
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 647-662
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2022.04.003
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1323629
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0765159722002453?via%3Dihub
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: The effects of exercise-induced muscle damage on varying intensities of endurance running performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis; Journal Title: Science & Sports; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2022.04.003; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.