Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain and inflammation commonly occur following high-intensity resistance exercise and may negatively impact athletic performance, recovery and availability. Consequently, there is increasing interest in non-invasive interventions aimed at mitigating post-exercise pain and improving recovery outcomes. Scalar wave technology has been proposed as a novel modality with potential effects on cellular communication and inflammatory processes; however, empirical evidence supporting its efficacy in athletic populations remains limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the application of a biosignaling patch designed to produce scalar waves would increase Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) following a lower body workout in collegiate baseball players compared to a sham condition. Forty-seven NCAA Division II baseball players (age = 21±2 years) were randomly assigned to receive either a programmed scalar wave patch or a sham patch. Following a standardized lower extremity weightlifting session, PPT measurements were obtained at the musculotendinous junction of the gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon using a digital force gauge. Patches were applied immediately after post-workout measurements and participants returned 24 hours later for repeat PPT assessment. Paired samples t-tests assessed within-group differences, while independent samples t-tests evaluated between-group differences (p < .05). Participants in the programmed patch group demonstrated a significant increase in PPT at 24 hours (4.85±2.28 lbs, p < .001), whereas the sham group exhibited a significant decrease (-0.95±1.99 lbs, p = .032). Between-group analysis revealed significantly greater PPT values in the programmed patch group compared to the sham group at 24 hours (p = .037). These findings suggest that the scalar wave-producing patch may reduce post-exercise muscle tenderness and modulate pain sensitivity. This modality may represent a practical, non-invasive adjunct for recovery in athletic populations, although further research is needed to confirm these effects and clarify underlying mechanisms.