Stone, M. B., Merrick, M. A., Ingersoll, C. D. & Edwards, J. E. (2001). Ibuprofen and bromelain do not resolve pain or muscle soreness. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 696.

Male (N = 20) and female (N = 20) Ss were divided into four groups: a) ibuprofen (400 mg post-exercise), b) bromelain (300 mg post-exercise), c) placebo, and d) no activity control. Elbow flexor exercises were performed. Measures were range of motion, pain, and concentric peak torque taken before the exercise and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post-exercise.

No differences were observed between the groups in any of the dependent variables. However, the exercise did cause pain, loss of range of motion, and loss of concentric peak torque.

Implication. Neither ibuprofen nor bromelain reduced the onset of exercise-induced effects associated with post-exercise discomfort.

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