Homeopathic Arnica 30x is ineffective for muscle soreness after long-distance running: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether homeopathic Arnica 30X can reduce muscle soreness following long-distance running more than a placebo.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Long-distance runs taking place in the community.

SUBJECTS

A total of 519 runners anticipating delayed-onset muscles soreness after long-distance races.

INTERVENTIONS

A homeopathic medicine (Arnica 30x) and an indistinguishable placebo.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Subjects completed a visual analog scale and Likert scale of muscle soreness every morning and evening for the 5 days following their race. Race time was also recorded. The main outcome measure was mean 2-day visual analog scores.

RESULTS

Results were obtained from 400 subjects. Groups were well matched at baseline. Mean 2-day visual analog soreness scores for Arnica and placebo were 45.2 mm and 41.0 mm, respectively. The 95% confidence interval was between 8.81 mm in favor of placebo and 0.51 mm in favor of Arnica. No differences were found for Likert scores or race time.

CONCLUSION

Homeopathic Arnica 30x is ineffective for muscle soreness following long-distance running.