A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Parallel Group Study Evaluating the Effects of Ibuprofen and Glucosamine Sulfate on Exercise Induced Muscle Soreness

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of ibuprofen with placebo on post-exercise induced muscle soreness. The secondary objective is to explore the effects of glucosamine sulphate versus placebo on post-exercise induced muscle soreness. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which relieves pain and reduces inflammation. Glucosamine sulphate is a naturally occurring amino monosaccharide in the human body. It is biosynthesized from glucose, and is used to form glycosamineglycan, a constituent of proteoglycans, and an important component of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage. Methods: Ibuprofen 1,200 mg/day, 1,500 mg/day glucosamine sulphate, or placebo was given orally daily for 22 days to three groups, each consisting of 20 healthy men [aged 24.3 +/- 3.1 years] in a double-blind, randomized controlled parallel group study. Subjects carried out an intensive eccentric exercise of the first dorsal interosseous muscle of the left hand on a standardized hand exerciser on day 14. Muscle tenderness was assessed by the pressure pain stimulation on days 0, 14 [before exercise], 14 [immediately after exercise], 15, 16 [the days of maximal tenderness], and 22. Results: Muscle tenderness on days 0 and 14 [before exercise] was not different in the three groups. Muscle tenderness was significantly increased in the group consuming 1,500 mg/day glucosamine sulphate as compared with the placebo group day 15 and day 16 after the exercise [P < 0.033]. There was no significant difference between ibuprofen versus placebo. None of the participants reported any serious adverse effects. Conclusion: Glucosamine sulphate facilitates muscle tenderness whereas systemic administration of ibuprofen is not capable of inhibiting experimentally induced muscle tenderness/ soreness.