Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation for Reducing Muscle Soreness after Eccentric Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Lv ZT, et al
Published in BioMed Research International
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42018085869) searching PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and ISI Web of Science for randomised trials of omega-3 supplementation and post-eccentric-exercise soreness; mean differences pooled in RevMan 5.3 for soreness measured two days after training, with subgroup analyses by supplementation duration and daily dose and GRADE certainty assessment.
Key Findings
This meta-analysis pooled 12 randomised controlled trials with 145 supplemented participants and 156 controls testing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for muscle soreness two days after eccentric exercise. Soreness was significantly lower with omega-3 (mean difference -0.93, 95% CI -1.44 to -0.42, p = 0.0004), but this fell short of the minimal clinically important difference of 1.4 points on a 10-point visual analogue scale, so the effect is unlikely to be noticeable in practice. No significant differences were found in isometric muscle strength or range of motion. The certainty of evidence was rated low.
Conclusions
Low-quality evidence that omega-3 reduces DOMS, with an effect size below the minimal clinically important difference.
Limitations
Only 301 participants across 12 small trials with low GRADE certainty; the statistically significant soreness reduction is smaller than the threshold people can perceive, and doses and supplementation durations varied.
Supplements Studied
The effect size of less muscle soreness with n-3 PUFA supplements did not appear to be clinically relevant.
Outcomes Measured
Meta-analysis revealed a significantly decreased DOMS (MD -0.93; 95% CI -1.44, -0.42;
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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