How does DOMS occur?

How does DOMS occur?

• A. Nerve damage inside muscle fibres
• B. Lactate buildup in the bloodstream
• C. Muscular fatigue from overuse
• D. Blood flow stops temporarily

Answer: (D)

DOMS comes from tiny tears in muscle fibres and the surrounding connective tissue after unfamiliar or intense exercise, especially with eccentric contractions. This microdamage triggers an inflammatory response, causing swelling, chemical mediators to accumulate, and heightened sensitivity of pain receptors, which leads to the delayed soreness that peaks about 24–72 hours after activity. Lactic acid buildup during exercise isn’t the cause of DOMS, and while fatigue from overuse can accompany soreness, it’s the microscopic damage and subsequent inflammation that produce the delayed pain. The idea that blood flow stops temporarily isn’t accurate; blood flow remains and often increases to the damaged area to deliver nutrients and immune cells, contributing to swelling and soreness rather than a temporary cessation of flow.

DOMS comes from tiny tears in muscle fibres and the surrounding connective tissue after unfamiliar or intense exercise, especially with eccentric contractions. This microdamage triggers an inflammatory response, causing swelling, chemical mediators to accumulate, and heightened sensitivity of pain receptors, which leads to the delayed soreness that peaks about 24–72 hours after activity. Lactic acid buildup during exercise isn’t the cause of DOMS, and while fatigue from overuse can accompany soreness, it’s the microscopic damage and subsequent inflammation that produce the delayed pain. The idea that blood flow stops temporarily isn’t accurate; blood flow remains and often increases to the damaged area to deliver nutrients and immune cells, contributing to swelling and soreness rather than a temporary cessation of flow.