What is the peak time for experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)?

The peak time for experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is typically around 48 hours after intense exercise or unfamiliar physical activity. This phenomenon can occur due to micro-trauma to the muscle fibers and the subsequent inflammatory response, which causes pain and stiffness.

Research indicates that while muscle soreness may begin approximately 12 to 24 hours after exercise, it often escalates and reaches its most intense level at around 48 hours post-exercise. After this peak, the soreness generally begins to diminish. Thus, recognizing this timing is crucial for athletes and trainers to manage training loads and recovery strategies effectively.

Understanding the timeline of DOMS is significant for planning post-exercise recovery and subsequent training sessions. It allows athletes to schedule their workouts while accounting for the discomfort and potential reduction in performance that can accompany peak muscle soreness.