| Summary: | The purpose of this study was two fold: 1) to determine the effectiveness of topical
ibuprofen versus oral ibuprofen and a placebo in the treatment of an inflammatory
condition, delayed onset muscle soreness and 2) to determine the ibuprofen plasma
concentrations following topical administration as compared to orally. Thirty female
subjects were randomly assigned to either an oral ibuprofen treatment group, a topical
ibuprofen treatment group, or a placebo group. The subjects then underwent an
eccentric exercise protocol used to induce delayed onset muscle soreness. Muscle
soreness and eccentric torque were quantified before exercise, immediately post
exercise, at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 144 hours after the exercise. All groups
displayed peak soreness at 48 hours, the placebo group marked the highest average
(60.95mm), the oral group had an average of 54.55mm while the topical group had the
lowest average at 50.35mm. There was a marked drop in eccentric torque following the
exercise which then returned to baseline values at 72 hours. No significant difference
was found between groups for either measure. This data indicates that neither oral
nor topical ibuprofen were effective in relieving pain or in restoring strength in this
model of inflammation, DOMS. However, a significant difference in plasma ibuprofen
concentrations between type of drug administration was found (p=0.033). To determine
plasma concentrations a five subject cross-over design was used. Subjects
participated in the eccentric exercise bout with either their right or left arm. Seven days
of treatment with either oral or topical ibuprofen was then initiated. A seven day washout period followed. The exercise protocol was repeated using the other arm and
subsequent treatment with the alternative ibuprofen. During both treatment periods
four blood samples were taken: prior to the onset of treatment, on day 3, day 5, and
day 7of treatment. The fact that minimal amounts of ibuprofen enter the systemic
system after topical administration leads researchers to believe associated side effects
would be decreased drastically. Research should continue into the efficacy of topical
ibuprofen in various other models of inflammation.
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