Research

Mixed

Familiarity with the exercise modality significantly reduces the magnitude of biomarker elevation and the severity of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) due to physiological adaptations.

When starting a new running routine or increasing intensity, expect significant muscle soreness and elevated biomarkers. This is normal. As you repeat the activity, your body adapts, reducing soreness and biomarker spikes, which is a sign of improved resilience.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
An interesting characteristic of DOMS is that after the initial bout of exercise, adaptations occur to provide some protection against the future occurrence of DOMS and reduce its severity.
Stephen R. Bird et al. · Annals of Clinical Biochemistry International Journal of Laboratory Medicine · 2013

Why this rating

Supported by multiple studies cited in the review regarding DOMS and biomarker recovery.

Source

Acute changes to biomarkers as a consequence of prolonged strenuous running

Stephen R. Bird et al. · Annals of Clinical Biochemistry International Journal of Laboratory Medicine · 2013

DOI 10.1177/0004563213492147

narrative_reviewCited 58×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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