Which factor is most directly linked with DOMS development?

Which factor is most directly linked with DOMS development?

• A. Microtears in the muscle fibres
• B. Immediate warmth after exercise
• C. Low hydration
• D. Low blood lactate

Answer: (A)

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) happens after unfamiliar or intense exercise, especially when the muscles work eccentrically. The soreness comes from tiny tears in the muscle fibres, which trigger local inflammation and swelling. As the body repairs these microtears, nerve endings become sensitized, causing the painful soreness that appears 24–72 hours after exercise. So microtears in the muscle fibres are the direct trigger for DOMS. Immediate warmth after exercise just reflects increased blood flow and is not the cause of DOMS; hydration status can influence recovery but isn’t the primary cause; and low blood lactate is not responsible for DOMS—lactate is cleared quickly and isn’t linked to the delayed soreness.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) happens after unfamiliar or intense exercise, especially when the muscles work eccentrically. The soreness comes from tiny tears in the muscle fibres, which trigger local inflammation and swelling. As the body repairs these microtears, nerve endings become sensitized, causing the painful soreness that appears 24–72 hours after exercise. So microtears in the muscle fibres are the direct trigger for DOMS. Immediate warmth after exercise just reflects increased blood flow and is not the cause of DOMS; hydration status can influence recovery but isn’t the primary cause; and low blood lactate is not responsible for DOMS—lactate is cleared quickly and isn’t linked to the delayed soreness.