Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Heavy physical training causes delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) 24 to 48 hours after activity, which has negative effects on subsequent athletic performance. DOMS has been researched extensively, yet there is currently no standard treatment for DOMS. Glucosamine has the potential to reduce DOMS through its natural anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and hydrating properties with no side effects.

The Glucosamine & Sports Performance Study
Wendy Adelson, MS, Senior Research Coordinator and Exercise Physiologist at The Stone Research Foundation, completed an extensive pilot research study, in collaboration with San Francisco State University, investigating the effect of glucosamine on the symptoms associated with DOMS. Results of the pilot study suggest that glucosamine has a positive effect on parameters related to sports performance.

Jason Theodosakis, MD, MS, MPH, FACPM reviewed the pilot study and assisted in the design of the subsequent investigation of glucosamine and sports performance, which will focuses specifically on muscle power generation and muscle soreness. The follow-on study launched in September 2009 and will be complete in Spring 2010.

Why This Study Is Important
Someday, athletes and weekend warriors alike may take glucosamine so they can train harder, all the while protecting their joints from the effects of arthritis.