A comparison between non-exertional and exertional soreness
| Condition | Non-exertional soreness | Exertional soreness | |
| FM | Acute onset | DOMS | |
| Previous exertional events | No | Yes | Yes |
| Onset | Chronic | Immediate6 | Subacute2 6 |
| Duration | >3 months7 | Hours6 | 5–7 days26 |
| Inflammation or tissue insults | No7 8 | Yes6 | Yes2 6 |
| Distribution | Widespread7 8 | Localised to exertion sites6 | Localised to exertion sites2 6 |
| Correlation with myalgia | |||
| Intensity | Yes | Yes6 25 | Yes6 25 |
| Localisation | No | Yes6 | Yes2 6 |
| Muscle fatigue | Yes7 | Yes6 | Yes2 6 |
| Clinical impact | |||
| Stiffness | Yes | Yes6 26 | Yes2 6 26 |
| Restless condition | Yes | Undetermined | Undetermined |
| Metabolic changes | |||
| Lactate levels | Decreased (vs HC) | Increased6 | Non-increased2 6 |
| Oxidative status | Increased12 14 15 18 | Increased6 34 | Uncertain2 6 24 |
| Pharmacotherapy | Unavailable | NSAID6 | NSAID2 6 |
DOMS, delayed onset muscle soreness; FM, fibromyalgia; HC, healthy control; NSAID, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug.