Kolimechkov, Stefan, Seijo, Marcos ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1637-6670, Thirkell, Jack, Larumbe-Zabala, Eneko and Naclerio, Fernando ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7405-4894 (2026) Effects of microcurrent with exercise on muscle soreness: a meta-analysis. Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (RICCAFD), 15 (2). pp. 247-267. ISSN 2255-0461 (Online) (doi:10.24310/riccafd.15.2.2026.24090)

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Abstract

Microcurrent therapy (MCT) has been proposed as an adjunct to exercise for improving recovery outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of MCT combined with physical exercise on body composition, physical performance, and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in healthy adults. Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched through March 2026 for randomised controlled trials comparing exercise with or without MCT. Eleven studies (n = 364) were included. Pooled analyses showed that MCT significantly reduced DOMS at 24 h (g = −0.63, 95% CI −1.07 to −0.19) and 48 h (g = −0.52, 95% CI −0.96 to −0.09) following exercise-induced muscle damage. No significant effects were observed for body composition or maximal strength. No adverse events were reported. MCT may be a safe adjunct to exercise for reducing muscle soreness, although its effects on performance and body composition remain unclear.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	DOMS, electrotherapy, exercise, MENS, microcurrent
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QP Physiology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	03 Jul 2026 10:29
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/53911

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