Influence of Combined Transcranial and Peripheral Electromagnetic Stimulation on the Autonomous Nerve System on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Young Athletes. A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) has been extensively studied by scientists and sports teams over the last few decades. Eccentric exercises impact physiology and recovery, as shown in recent studies. This study investigates the effects of combined transcranial and peripheral electromagnetic stimulation on the autonomic nervous system in 48 young athletes. Participants were divided into four groups: Control (n = 12), Peripheral (n = 13), Transcranial (n = 11), and Combined (n = 12). The autonomic nervous system was assessed through Heart Rate Variability (HRV) monitoring before and after the eccentric session that induced DOMS and at 24h, 48h, and 72h post-session. Results The Combined Group showed increased activation in various HRV parameters, including LF (p < 0.001), HF (p < 0.001), and the LF/HF power ratio (p < 0.001). These results indicate that combined transcranial and peripheral electromagnetic stimulation enhances recovery in athletes after 72 hours. Conclusions Paired-associative electromagnetic stimulation positively influences the autonomic nervous system response in young athletes, promoting recovery without disrupting the typical physiological recovery process in DOMS.