The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) affects the muscles of the posterior chain and physical performance in healthy young adults. The main questions the study aims to answer are:
Does DOMS in the calf muscle change the biomechanical properties (tone, stiffness, elasticity) of other muscles in the posterior chain?
Does DOMS lower trunk endurance, muscle strength, balance, or jump performance?
Participants will:
Take part in a gastrocnemius exercise protocol designed to safely create DOMS
Complete repeated assessments at baseline, immediately after exercise, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours
Have their muscle properties measured with a handheld device
Complete trunk endurance tests, muscle strength tests, balance tests, and a vertical jump test
Provide a blood sample to measure creatine kinase (a marker of muscle damage)
This research may help clinicians better understand how soreness in one muscle can influence the whole posterior chain and may guide safer training and recovery strategies.