What does DOMS stand for?

• A. Delayed onset muscle soreness
• B. Dynamic oscillation muscle syndrome
• C. Direct overuse muscular strain
• D. Delayed overuse muscle stiffness

Answer: (A)

Delayed onset muscle soreness describes the soreness you feel in muscles after unfamiliar or more intense exercise, especially when it involves a lot of eccentric (lengthening) work. The soreness doesn’t show up right away and typically peaks about 24 to 72 hours after the workout. It happens because tiny tears occur in the muscle fibers and an inflammatory response follows, leading to tenderness, stiffness, and sometimes a temporary drop in strength. The other phrases aren’t used to name this phenomenon and don’t capture the delayed onset nature or the muscle-tissue soreness that appears after a session of unfamiliar activity.