Anaerobic Power, Creatine Kinase Activity, Lactate Concentration, and Acid-Base Equilibrium Changes Following Bouts of Exhaustive Strength Exercises

Abstract

The study was conducted on 10 male bodybuilders and powerlifters who performed highly exhaustive strength exercises for both the upper and lower limbs. They included 10 progressive sets of squats for the lower limbs and 10 progressive sets of the bench press for the upper limbs. Anaerobic power was evaluated by the 30-second Wingate test 3 times: after a 2-day rest period, and 10 minutes and 24 hours after the cessation of exhaustive strength exercises. Blood samples were drawn at rest, 5 minutes, and 24 hours after the strength exercise for the evaluation of creatine kinase (CK) activity, lactate (LA) concentration, and changes in acid-base equilibrium. Relative external work (Wt) evaluated immediately after the cessation of strength exercises decreased significantly for both the lower and upper limbs, whereas relative maximal power (Pmax) did not change significantly throughout the protocol. The return of Pmax and Wt to initial levels within 24 hours occurred in the upper and lower limbs for Pmax and only in the upper limbs for Wt. Postexercise LA concentration was nearly 3 times as high for the lower limbs in comparison to upper limbs, and it remained slightly elevated 24 hours after the cessation of exercise in comparison to resting values. CK activity increased significantly 10 minutes after the intense strength exercises and rose to significantly higher levels 24 hours after the cessation of exercise. The level of serum CK may not be related to the amount of muscle mass utilized in strength exercises. Acid-base equilibrium variable changes were significantly different immediately after the end of the exercise session and returned to resting values 24 hours after the exhaustive exercise protocol. The 2 analyzed anaerobic power indices (Pmax and Wt) were significantly different for the upper and lower limbs under initial circumstances, 5 minutes, and 24 hours after exhaustive exercise, whereas blood variables (LA, CK, pH, and base excess) differed significantly only immediately after the strength protocol.