Resveratrol administration reduces pain perception but does not attenuate force loss following exercise-induced muscle damage

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine whether administering resveratrol (a naturally occurring antioxidant) can attenuate pain perception and force loss following exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Methods Eighteen young untrained individuals were divided in a placebo (n = 9) and an intervention group (n = 9), on a blinded randomized trial. The intervention group administered 500 mg resveratrol 3 days prior the first test, whereas the placebo group administered 400 mg calcium capsules. After habituation on Day 1, baseline pain perception was assessed using pressure pain threshold on Day 2 (PreEIMD), followed by maximal dorsiflexors voluntary isometric test from which surface electromyography (EMG) from the tibialis anterior muscle was recorded. Subsequently, a 10 x 10 maximal eccentric dorsiflexion protocol was performed to induce muscle damage and subsequent delayed-onset muscle soreness. On Day 3 (PostEIMD, 24 h after PreEIMD), participants repeated the protocols to assess pain perception, maximal isometric force and EMG. The effects of time (Pre vs Post) and group were assessed for pain perception, maximal dorsiflexion torque and EMG median frequency. Results Pain perception PostEIMD was reduced for both groups, but at a greater extend for the placebo group (10.1 +/- 7.2%, p < 0.005) than for the intervention group (3.6 +/- 9.4% reduction). In addition, maximal isometric torque was reduced for both groups PostEIMD (similar to 18%), while no changes in EMG median frequency were found PostEIMD for both groups. Conclusion Resveratrol administration prior to strenuous eccentric exercise can attenuate pain perception following EIMD, but this substance on this specific dosage did not allow for force preservation.