Abstract
Haematological and biochemical parameters have not yet been analysed in professional padel players. The aim of this study was to determine the basal values of these parameters and to observe the effect of a simulated competition on them, including gender-related differences. A total of 14 male professional players (age: 28.2 ± 7.9 years), and 16 female professional players (age: 29.7 ± 3.7 years) participated in this study. Players were allowed to hydrate ad libitum during the matches. Haematological and biochemical values were obtained before and after a simulated competitive padel match. The men’s group showed higher baseline values in red blood cells, haematocrit, haemoglobin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) (p < 0.01) than the women’s group. Attending to match effect, significant differences were obtained in urea, creatinine, CK and glucose (p < 0.05). Finally, the group x match interaction revealed significant differences in serum concentrations of sodium and chloride (p < 0.05). In conclusion, high-level padel matches provoke several changes in biochemical parameters related to muscle damage and protein catabolism. Recovery and fluid intake strategies could be added regarding gender. The results obtained could be due to the differences in the intensity and volume of the simulated competition.
Highlights
Padel is a popular sports activity that has become a mass phenomenon in some countries such as Spain, in the last decade
The results showed increases in transaminases (GOT and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT)) and albumin after a padel match in both groups
Our results suggest that different fluid/electrolyte intake strategies may be needed depending upon variations in exercise intensity between training sessions/competitions and gender
Summary
Padel is a popular sports activity that has become a mass phenomenon in some countries such as Spain, in the last decade This sport is practised by populations of any age, gender or physical condition [1]. Racket sport played in pairs (two vs two) on a small-sized grass court (20 × 10 m) surrounded by glass and mesh walls on which the ball can bounce [2]. These different characteristics with respect to other racket sports have increased interest among researchers. Previous studies have reported low intensity and rest periods about 60.3% of the total time of the game, showing the relevance of the aerobic system [5]
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