Capsaicin’s Role in Mitigating Muscle Soreness and Enhancing Futsal Players’ Recovery After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

<b>Background:</b> Capsaicin, known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, may mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation associated with exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). This study evaluates the efficacy of capsaicin supplementation in reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and enhancing strength and power in collegiate male futsal players. <b>Methods:</b> A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design was used. Twelve male futsal players participated in three testing sessions: baseline (BL), followed by capsaicin (12 mg) or placebo (PLA), with a 7-day washout period. Participants consumed the supplement 45 min before completing an EIMD protocol of 200 plyometric jumps with a 10% body-weight vest. Metrics including vertical jump height (VJH), pressure pain threshold (PPT), thigh circumference (TCM), and isokinetic and isometric strengths were assessed 48 h post-EIMD. DOMS was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and 12, 24, and 48 h post-EIMD. <b>Results:</b> Capsaicin supplementation significantly improved VJH (<i>p</i> = 0.009), PPT (<i>p</i> = 0.004), and reduced TCM (<i>p</i> = 0.015) compared to baseline, with superior performance in PPT and TCM reduction (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Capsaicin also significantly decreased VAS scores for DOMS immediately, 12, 24, and 48 h post-EIMD (<i>p</i> < 0.001) compared to PLA and BL. No significant differences were found in isokinetic and isometric strength metrics (<i>p</i> > 0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> Acute capsaicin supplementation can mitigate DOMS and enhance performance markers such as VJH and PPT in collegiate futsal players. Its benefits suggest a viable nutritional strategy for recovery and performance optimization in high-intensity sports.