This study reexamined the concept that delayed muscle soreness (DMS) is a form of inflammatory pain. This was accomplished by having 32 male volunteers perform exercise known to induce DMS and then assess the total and differential white blood cell changes. In addition, an anti-inflammatory drug, idomethacin, was administered to determine whether this would reduce the perception of muscle soreness. The increase in neutrophils and decrease in DMS with drug administration suggested that inflammation is involved in DMS. (JD)