What is the term for the muscular soreness that can occur after intensive exercise?

The correct term for the muscular soreness that can occur after intense exercise is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, commonly referred to as DOMS. This condition typically arises after exercises that the body is not accustomed to, especially those that involve eccentric contractions (where the muscle lengthens under tension). DOMS usually sets in 24 to 48 hours post-exercise and is characterized by stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in the affected muscles.

Understanding DOMS is essential for athletes and trainers, as recognizing the signs can help in planning recovery and training schedules. Proper recovery strategies, such as hydration, gentle stretching, and adequate rest, can mitigate the effects of DOMS and allow for improved performance in subsequent workouts.

The other terms presented do not accurately describe this phenomenon: Acute Muscular Pain usually refers to immediate pain during or shortly after physical exertion, while Chronic Exercise Fatigue indicates a prolonged state of tiredness linked more to overtraining than to delayed muscle soreness. Post-Exercise Discomfort is a vague term that doesn't specifically align with the recognized phenomenon of DOMS.