Effectiveness of dry cupping therapy on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage: a triple-blinded, sham-controlled randomized clinical trial

• Grant number: 25/00708-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: February 05, 2026
• End date: February 04, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Coelho Rabello de Lima
• Grantee: Leonardo Coelho Rabello de Lima
• Host Investigator: Ken Nosaka
• Host Institution: Escola de Educação Física e Esporte de Ribeirão Preto (EEFERP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Edith Cowan University, Australia

Abstract

Aim and Hypothesis: This study aims to compare the efficacy of dry cupping therapy with a sham treatment on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). It is hypothesised that dry cupping will not be superior to sham treatment in improving recovery of muscle function, soreness, and stiffness following a bout of resistance training. Methods: Healthy young adult males (aged 18-35 years) will be randomly assigned to either a dry cupping group (CUPP) or a sham treatment group (SHAM) in a triple-blind, sham-controlled design. Both groups will complete an exercise protocol to induce EIMD in the hamstrings, followed by treatment immediately post-exercise and again 48 hours later. Dependent variables, including muscle swelling, stiffness, soreness, and function, will be assessed at baseline and at five post-exercise intervals (15 minutes, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours). Indirect markers of muscle damage will be measured through ultrasound imaging, circumferential assessments, functional tests, and dynamometric evaluations. Muscle stiffness will be evaluated using flexibility tests and motion analysis, and perceived soreness will be rated on a visual analogue scale. Statistical analyses will include repeated measures ANOVA or non-parametric alternatives, with effect sizes reported to ensure robust interpretation of findings. The level of significance will be p < 0.05. (AU)