Efficacy of homoeopathic arnica montana on muscle fatigue

Abstract

Exercise-induced fatigue reduces exercise performance ability, causes discomfort and increases the risk of injury. Homoeopathic Arnica montana 30CH, according to the Law of Similars, is well indicated in an attempt to hasten reparation, reduce the risks of injury and improve the quality of muscle contraction (Blackie 1986:252). Thirty healthy and active male volunteers were required to perform an exercise test on three consecutive days. In the study, two groups of 15 participants, Control and Treatment, received, in double-blind style, either homoeopathic Arnica montana 30CH or placebo as their trial medication. This was administered 5minutes after the first exercise test, and then again immediately prior to and 5 minutes after performing the second and third exercise tests. The exercise, executed on an AKRON Isokinetic Dynamometer under the supervision of a biokinetist, consisted of maximal reciprocal contractions of the knee extensors and flexors, with the readings being recorded on computer using AKRON Test Software. From this the Maximum Torque and Fatigue Index for each participant was calculated. Each participant was required to complete a PARTICIPANT PERCEPTION FORM after the first exercise test, before and after the second and third exercise tests, and again twentyfour hours after the third exercise test. Mann-Whitney U tests, descriptive statistics and graphs were used to analyse and comment on the data. There was no significant difference (p<O.05) found between the two groups with regard to either the Maximun Torque or Fatigue Index, The exercise test protocol, isolated and fatigued the quadriceps muscle, producing in it symptoms of muscle fatigue in both the Control and Treatment groups. From participant perception, the sensation of stiffness experienced and its severity increased in the Control group over the three days,