The effects of supplemental vitamin C on prevention of delayed-onset muscle soreness

The lay literature seems to support the contention that vitamin C may play a role in athletic performance in general and, more specifically, on the perception of pain associated with Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). The primary purpose of this study was to determine if vitamin C prevents or minimizes the intensity of pain associated with DOMS. Sixty-nine male volunteers with no known health problems were randomly assigned to five groups. All subjects participated in a step test involving both positive and negative work with the right leg. The step test followed procedures similar to those used by Asmussen (1956). The five groups differed according to the nature and timing of administration of vitamin C or a placebo during a six day period. Subjects in Group 1 ingested 2 grams of vitamin C per day for the entire six days of the study and participated in the step test on the fourth day. Subjects in Group 2 ingested 2 grams of vitamin C per day four days prior to and including the day of the step test. Subjects in Group 3 ingested 2 grams of vitamin C per day for the three days following the step test. Subjects in Group 4 ingested 2 grams of a placebo and followed the exact procedures assigned to Group 1. Subjects in Group 5 acted as controls and participated in the step testing procedures only. The existence of muscle soreness was evaluated on a ratio scale from 0 to 6 on the day of the step test, and 24 and 48 hours following the test. A one-way ANOVA performed on peak muscle soreness scores showed no significant differences among groups at the .05 alpha level (p = 0.26). It was therefore concluded that vitamin C does not prevent or minimize the intensity of pain associated with DOMS.