Purpose Strength training is performed using multi-joint (MJ) or single-joint (SJ) exercises; however, it is not clear whether different time of recovery is necessary between the two types of exercise. The aim of the present study was to compare the time course of recovery of indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in the elbow flexors after performing MJ and SJ exercises. Methods Twenty-four (n = 24) untrained men were randomized in to the MJ (n = 12) or SJ group (n = 12). Exercise protocol to induce muscle damage consisted of four sets of ten repetitions at 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM) in front pull-down (MJ exercise) or biceps curl (SJ exercise). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction, muscle soreness during elbow extension, ultrasound imaging (muscle thickness and echo intensity) and creatine kinase (CK) were measured before and up to 96h after exercise. Results Significant effect of time (p < 0.05) at all times after exercise was observed for isometric strength, muscle soreness, muscle thickness and at 48, 72 and 96h for echo intensity, with no time × group interaction. However, significant time × group interaction (p = 0.03) was observed only for CK activity at 96h (MJ = 3348 ± 2911 IU/l vs. SJ = 890 ± 1426 IU/l; p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant increase in CK after MJ at 48h, 72h and 96h after exercise (p < 0.05), while SJ increased only at 48h after exercise. Conclusion Despite a dissimilar time course of CK response, MJ and SJ exercises induced a similar recovery pattern for muscle strength, thickness, echo intensity and soreness.
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