Time-course of changes in indirect markers of muscle damage responses following a 130-km cycling race

Patrick Rodrigues,Raul Osiecki,Larissa Bobroff Daros,Fabiano Macedo Salgueirosa,Lee Wharton,Renata Wassmansdorf,Vitor Bertoli Nascimento,Sara Gabellone Hernandez

doi:10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n3p322

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n3p322 The purpose of the present investigation was to identify the effects of a 130-km cycling race on indices of biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage and muscle soreness responses during a 72-hour recovery period. Fifteen endurance-trained male cyclists which were competing for more than 2 years and were involved in systematic training at least of 3 days/wk underwent a collection of indirect biochemical markers of muscle damage (CK, LDH, Myo) and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), at five different moments of data collection: before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) a 130-km cycling race, and 24, 48, 72 hours following the cycling race. CK and LDH plasma concentrations significantly increased POST-race (p < 0.001) and remained high throughout the 72 hour recover period (CK: p < 0.05; LDH: p < 0.001). Myo increased significantly POST-race (p < 0.001) and returned to the PRE-race values 24 hours thereafter (p < 0.05). DOMS increased significantly POST-race (p < 0.001) and returned to the PRE-race values at 48 hours after (p > 0.05). A 130-km cycling race has a noteworty effect on indices of biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage and muscle soreness responses, indicating that 72 hour recovery period do not seems to be enough for long-distance cyclist, and reinforce the propositions of scientific literature about the need of a sufficient recovery period for cycling endurance athletes.

Highlights

Endurance cycling is based on the pursuit of an athlete’s optimal performance, it places great demand on various physiological and biochemical aspects[1], and it is extremely important to be aware of all these variables in order to optimize the athletes’ performance[2]
Results recorded at the 24 hour and 48 hour periods after the race indicated that the Creatine Kinase (CK) levels remained higher that PRE-race and POST-race values (p < 0.05)
Results drawn from the 72 hour testing interval demonstrate that while CK levels remain higher than PRE-race score they did not show a statistical difference with POST-Race, 24 hour and 48 hour periods after the race (Fig. 3)

Summary

Introduction

Endurance cycling is based on the pursuit of an athlete’s optimal performance, it places great demand on various physiological and biochemical aspects[1], and it is extremely important to be aware of all these variables in order to optimize the athletes’ performance[2]. There is still a dearth of information about the recovery period required between a resistance training session or competition and a subsequent session, so the mechanisms of muscle damage and its recovery in particular must be identified in order to get the right optimal training effect[7]. Information on the time-course of changes in biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage and muscle soreness after a single endurance cycling completion is scarce. Considering the context of such concern, the present study is valid as it will provide reliable indicators of muscular damage and its recovery following an endurance cycling race and recovery period. The purpose of the present investigation was to identify the effects of a 130-km cycling race on indices of biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage and muscle soreness responses during a 72-hour recovery period

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion