Cooling gel may soothe sore muscles after a marathon, study finds
NCT ID NCT07565246
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a menthol gel (Biofreeze) helps reduce muscle soreness in adults running the 2025 Chicago Marathon. 367 runners used the gel during or after the race and reported their pain levels. Researchers compared pain scores before and after applying the gel to see if it provides quick relief and a cooling sensation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- menthol (topical gel, Biofreeze)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that menthol gel is a simple, over-the-counter option for easing muscle soreness after intense exercise.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a controlled trial, so results may be influenced by people's expectations. It only looked at marathon runners, so findings may not apply to other types of pain or activity.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Curion Strategic Product Insights
Deerfield, Illinois, 60015, United States
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