What does delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) refer to?

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) specifically refers to the pain or discomfort that typically manifests several hours after exercising, often peaking around 24 to 72 hours post-exercise. This phenomenon occurs primarily as a result of the microtrauma to muscle fibers during eccentric contractions, which can lead to inflammation and the sensation of pain as the body undergoes the recovery process.

This type of soreness is distinct from immediate soreness associated with intense exercise, which occurs right during or shortly after a workout. Additionally, DOMS is a temporary condition and usually does not persist longer than a few days to a week; thus, it does not align with pain that lasts longer than a week. Furthermore, the pain associated with DOMS is also different from pain experienced during muscle contractions, which can indicate fatigue or injury rather than the delayed aspect of soreness.