The Effect Of Topical Cannabidiol On The Progression Rate Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an intervention currently used to treat pain and neuroinflammation. Clinical studies have confirmed that CBD reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits T cell proliferation, induces T cell apoptosis and reduces migration and adhesion of immune cells. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of topical CBD ointment in reducing localized inflammation, minimizing athletic performance detriments, and attenuating delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) METHODS: In a double blind randomized control trial, college aged students (n = 21, age 20.8 ± 1.9 yrs., ht. 167.3 ± 10.0 cm, wt. 64.2 ± 12.9 kg) voluntarily completed baseline upper arm circumference measurements and isometric strength assessments for elbow flexion at 90 and 30 degrees. Thereafter, participants performed 3 sets of eccentric repetitions to failure at their respective 1 RM, to induce bilateral DOMS. Following the DOMS protocol, topical CBD ointment (1000 mg) or placebo (P) ointment for localized topical arm treatment were randomly assigned and applied immediately post, 24, 48 and 72 hours post the DOMS protocol. Inflammation measured by 5 point circumferences, maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) at 90 and 30 degrees of elbow flexion measured using the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer, and perceived soreness using a VAS scale were assessed 24, 48 and 72 hours post the DOMS protocol. A 4x2 repeated measures factorial ANOVA(P < .05) was used to analyze both within and between subject differences. RESULTS: Although all measures differed from baseline, none of these changes were statistically significant on any days between conditions: Upper-arm circumferences in the CBD arm (7.1 ± 5.8 cm) and in the P arm (7.3 ± 5.8 cm). MVICs were reduced at both the 90 and 30 degree positions (-5.9 ± 9.0 Nm (90 degrees); (-4.8 ± 6.5 Nm (30 degrees)) and the P arm (-5.0 ± 10.0 Nm (90 degrees)); (-4.6 ± 5.3 Nm (30 degrees)). Soreness increased in both the CBD arm (6.1 ± 2.1) and the P arm (5.5 ± 2.6) over time. CONCLUSION: Topical CBD did not alter any parameters vs the P treatment, thus the use of topical CBD does not attenuate DOMS.