Dry Cupping for Recovery From Muscle Damage

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Muscle Damage

• Registration Number: NCT06900556
• Lead Sponsor: University of Saskatchewan

Brief Summary

This study compares the effect of dry cupping to placebo cupping after muscle-damaging exercise on recovery of muscle strength, muscle swelling, and muscle soreness.

Detailed Description

Dry cupping is a technique where cups are placed on the skin and a suction device is used to remove air from the cups. This study aims to investigate whether dry cupping therapy can enhance muscle recovery following exercise by measuring muscle soreness, swelling, and strength in the biceps. Six sets of biceps curls (emphasizing concentric and eccentric overload) will be performed on each arm, followed by dry cupping with suction applied to one arm (experimental) and dry cupping without suction (placebo) applied to the opposite arm. Experimental and placebo arms for each participant will be randomized. Before exercise and immediately, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after exercise, muscle strength, muscle swelling (ultrasound), and muscle soreness (visual analog scale) will be assessed.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-21
• Study Start: 2025-03-24
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-28
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-17
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-20
• Primary Completion: 2025-04-30
• Study Completion: 2025-05-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 10

Inclusion Criteria

• Male or female
• 18-35 years old
• Experienced with upper arm resistance training for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria

• Conditions that might make exercise dangerous (determined by "yes" answers to the "Get Active Questionnaire")
• Open wounds, scars, eczema, or other skin sensitivities on the biceps area

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Biceps isometric strength measured by dynamometry (Nm)	Change over 72 hours

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Biceps swelling (muscle thickness) measured with ultrasound (cm)	Change over 24 hours
Biceps muscle soreness measured with a visual analog scale from 0 (no soreness) to 10 (maximal soreness)	Change over 72 hours

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan; 🇨🇦 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada