ABSTRACT

Aim: This study aims to compare the effects of dolgit cream, an anti-inflammatory drug in the NSAID group, is frequently used in treating injuries after sports activities, and natural honey, used due to its anti-inflammatory effect, on muscle damage.

Methods: Twenty-one amateur male athletes voluntarily participated in this study (Age: 21±3). The participants were divided into three groups as honey treatment group (n=7), drug treatment group (n=7), and control group (n=7). In the gym, one-session of intense interval training consisting of movements (unusual push-ups, diamond push-ups, dips) in which the athletes participating in the study were not used was applied. Blood samples were taken consecutively for five days, one time before and four times after the training program. Blood samples were analyzed biochemically, and activation of Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes were determined. Besides, the participants' pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale) were monitored for four days after the training. SPSS 22.0 package program was used for data analysis. The suitability of the data for normal distribution was analyzed with the Shapiro-Wilk test, and it was determined that the data were not distributed normally. Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to determine the acute effect of the treatment protocols carried out in the treatment of muscle damage after the training

Results: According to the result, no statistically significant difference was found between the treatment groups and the control group in the activation of CK, LDH in the blood serum (p>.05). According to the pain scale follow-up results, it was observed that the pain scores of the participants in the group who received honey treatment were lower and statistically significant in the 1st after the training (p<.05)

Conclusion: As a result, the external application of natural honey in sports injuries may support modern medical treatment practices

Keywords:: Natural Honey Therapy, Interval Training, Creatine Kinase, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Muscle Damage