The aim of the study was to assess the effect of resistance exercise intensity on the perceived DOMS. In order to investigate the hypothesis that the intensity determines the magnitude of DOMS, 40 healthy, untrained men were subjected to two bouts of resistance exercise performed at different intensities (50%-1RM (n=20) and 75%-1RM (n=20)). DOMS was assessed using visual analogue scale, 24, 48 and 72 hours after each training bout. DOMS increased after both exercise bouts (50%-1RM and 75%-1RM) (p<0.05), peaking at 48 hours (p<0.05). However, DOMS did not differ between exercise sessions (50%-1RM and 75%-1RM) (p>0.05). The results suggested that the intensity does not seem to influence the magnitude of DOMS when the total volume of load lifted during the exercise bout is equalized.
Muscle soreness; Intensity; Total volume of load lifted; Bench press
