Acute Response Of Biochemical And Hematological Markers After A Crossfit® Training Session.

Abstract

Crossfit® is a strength and conditioning program recognized as one of the most popular and practiced types of high-intensity functional training today. The goal of participants is to optimize physical conditions in some fitness domains: strength, flexibility, power, cardiovascular or respiratory endurance, coordination, and agility. The exercises are executed quickly, repetitively in a high intensity with little or no recovery time between sets. PURPOSE: This study aimed to verify muscle damage and immune markers parameters in the response of the Crossfit® training session. METHODS: Sixteen male recreational Crossfit® practitioners (Mean± SD: 29.4 ± 5.3 years old) performed a single session of AMRAP (means as many rounds as possible) for 12 minutes. This session followed a sequence of 12 box jumps, 6 thrusters and 6 burpees facing bar. After the rest of 3 minutes, participants were instructed to complete a Wingate test on a cycle ergometer in the fastest time possible. Blood samples were collected immediately before the session of AMRAP (PRE) and after Wingate test (POST). Were analyzed white blood cells and platelet count in EDTA samples. Creatine kinase, C-reactive protein and uric acid were quantified in serum samples. The paired t test was applied to verify PRE and POST statistical differences. Values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The data are presented as mean and SE. There was significant increases in leukocytes (PRE 7.6 ± 0.4 and POST 15.0 ± 0.8x106/L, p <0.001); neutrophils (PRE 4.3 ± 0.4 and POST 6.2 ± 0.6x106/L, p <0.001); lymphocytes (PRE 2.5 ± 0.1 and POST 6.9 ± 0.4 106/L, p <0.001) and platelets counts (PRE 271 ± 6 and POST 344 ± 12 x106/L, p <0.001); Creatine Kinase (PRE 363 ± 94 and POST 452 ± 114 U/L, p <0.001) and C-reactive Protein (PRE 7.1 ± 0.9 and POST 8.0 ± 1.1 mg/L, p <0.001). Uric acid concentrations were not different (PRE 4.7 ± 0.3 and POS 5.0 ± 0.2 mg/L, p 0.184). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these results indicate that the AMRAP session associated with the Wingate test elicits an acute immune response, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets. Besides, this protocol acutely increase muscle damage and inflammatory markers. These blood parameters could be analyzed in the recovery strategies in Crossfit® practitioners.