Biochemical Markers Of Muscle Damage Research Articles

Changes In Serum Creatine Kinase In Patient After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background : Some studies reported that measuring serum creatine kinase (CK) level is an objective method with which to determine the relative invasiveness of surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in postoperative serum CK levels as a measure of whether the direct anterior approach (DAA) is less invasive than the posterior approach (PA) regarding postoperative rehabilitation.
 Objective : This article presents a literature review regarding changes in serum creatine kinase in patients after total hip arthroplasty.
 Method : Descriptive research with a qualitative approach, systematic literature review study. Researchgate, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect searches reviewed changes in serum creatine kinase in patients after total hip arthroplasty. A total of 5 studies conducted between 2019-2023 were included in this review.
 Results : A total of 42,890 titles were identified and found 5 studies that met the requirements/criteria which discussed changes in serum creatine kinase in patients after total hip arthroplasty.
 Conclusions : We analyzed biochemical markers of muscle damage in patients treated with total hip arthroplasty with minimally invasive and standard posterolateral approach to providing objective evidence of the local soft-tissue injury at the time of arthroplasty. The objective measurement of muscle damage marker provides an unbiased way of determining the immediate effects of surgical intervention in patients treated with total hip arthroplasty.

Changes in creatine kinase serum in patient after total hip arthroplasty

Background: Some studies reported that measuring serum creatine kinase (CK) level is an objective method with which to determine the relative invasiveness of surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in post-operative serum CK levels as a measure of whether the direct anterior approach (DAA) is less invasive than the posterior approach (PA) regarding postoperative rehabilitation. Methods: This study design was a descriptive research with a qualitative approach, systematic literature review study. ResearchGate, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect searches reviewed changes in serum creatine kinase in patients after total hip arthroplasty. A total of 5 studies conducted between 2019-2023 were included in this review to present a literature review regarding changes in serum creatine kinase in patients after total hip arthroplasty. Results: We analyzed biochemical markers of muscle damage in patients treated with total hip arthroplasty with minimally invasive and standard posterolateral approach to providing objective evidence of the local soft-tissue injury at the time of arthroplasty. A total of 42,890 titles were identified and 5 studies that met the requirements/criteria which discussed changes in serum creatine kinase in patients after total hip arthroplasty. Conclusion: The objective measurement of muscle damage markers provides an unbiased way of determining the immediate effects of surgical intervention in patients treated with total hip arthroplasty.

Photobiomodulation Therapy Combined with a Static Magnetic Field Applied in Different Moments Enhances Performance and Accelerates Muscle Recovery in CrossFit® Athletes: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

The ergogenic effects of photobiomodulation therapy combined with a static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) on exercises with characteristics similar to those of CrossFit® are unknown. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of PBMT-sMF applied at different times on recovery and physical performance in CrossFit® athletes by analyzing functional aspects, muscle damage, inflammatory processes, and oxidative stress. This was a prospectively registered, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. CrossFit® athletes were recruited and assigned to receive one of the four possible interventions. Each intervention included protocols before and after the exercise (referred to as the workout of the day (WOD)). The four possibilities of intervention were as follows: placebo before and after WOD (placebo), PBMT-sMF before and placebo after WOD (PBMT-sMF before), placebo before and PBMT-sMF after WOD (PBMT-sMF after), and PBMT-sMF before and after WOD (PBMT-sMF before and after). The order of possibilities for the interventions was randomized. The primary outcome was the functional test performance. The secondary outcomes were the subjective perception of exertion, muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The outcomes were measured before the WOD; immediately after the intervention; and 1, 24, and 48 hours after the WOD. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test to examine the differences between the interventions at each time point. Twelve participants were randomized and analyzed for each sequence. PBMT-sMF enhanced the performance on functional tests (calculated as a percentage of change) when applied before or after WOD in the assessment performed immediately post-WOD and at 24 and 48 hours later (p < 0.05) compared to placebo and PBMT-sMF before and after WOD. In terms of the secondary outcomes, PBMT-sMF applied before or after WOD significantly decreased the creatine kinase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and interleukin-6, thiobarbituric acid, and carbonylated protein levels (all p < 0.05) compared to the other possibilities of intervention. In addition, PBMT-sMF applied before and after WOD decreased creatine kinase activity at 24 hours and IL-6 levels at 24 and 48 hours compared to placebo (p < 0.05). None of the participants reported any adverse events. PBMT-sMF enhanced the performance of functional tests, decreased the levels of biochemical markers of muscle damage and inflammation, decreased oxidative stress, and increased antioxidant activity in CrossFit® athletes when applied before or after WOD.

Arterial Function after a 246 km Ultra-marathon Running Race.

There is little research about the effects of ultra-endurance exercise on arterial morphological and functional properties. The aim was to assess the acute changes of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid doppler-derived parameters following an ultra-marathon race as well as the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery in ultra-marathon runners. Twenty athletes were examined at baseline and within 10 mins after a 246 km running race. Measurements included carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, peak-systolic and end-diastolic velocities of carotid artery blood flow, pulsatility and resistivity indices and blood biochemical parameters. The intima-media thickness of the right and left carotid artery was measured before the race. Arterial stiffness and carotid artery intima media thickness at rest remained within known normal limits. The ultra-marathon race significantly increased carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity by 22.6% and pulsatility index by 10.2%. There was a decrease in body weight by 3.35% and an increase of all biochemical markers of muscle damage after the race. Additionally, C-reactive protein was correlated with both pulsatility and resistivity indices post-race. This study shows that immediately after a 246 km ultra-marathon running race, acute increase of arterial stiffness and vascular resistance were evident. The carotid artery thickness of ultra-marathon runners was within normal range.

Different Training Methods Cause Similar Muscle Damage in Youth Judo Athletes.

It is well known that different factors can contribute to muscle damage in judo matches or training. Previous research analyzed only the effects of simulated judo combat or judo training on biochemical markers of muscle damage without determining its specific causes. Our objective was to identify possible differences in biochemical markers of muscular damage in response to different training methods in youth judo athletes. Twelve high-level male judo athletes were randomly assigned to a standing (SP, n = 6, age = 16.6 ± 1.1 years) or a groundwork (GP, n = 6, age = 17.8 ± 0.8 years) position combat practice group. Both groups had the same protocol of four 4-minute combat practice bouts separated by 1-minute rest intervals. Before and immediately after combat practice blood samples were taken to assess muscle damage markers: creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). There were significant increases in AST, LDH, and CK after the standing and groundwork training sessions compared with resting values in both groups. Additionally, no significant differences in the enzyme's activity between SP and GP groups were found. These results showed that standing and groundwork randori training (free sparring or free practice) causes similar muscle damage in adolescent judo athletes. Future research should assess the effects of the same damage mechanisms over a longer period of time

Eccentric exercise per se does not affect muscle damage biomarkers: early and late phase adaptations.

Acute high-intensity unaccustomed eccentric exercise performed by naive subjects is accompanied by disturbances in muscle damage biomarkers. The aim of the study was to investigate whether a causal relationship indeed exists between eccentric exercise and muscle damage. Twenty-four men randomly assigned into a concentric only or an eccentric-only training group and performed 10weeks of isokinetic resistance exercise (one session/week of 75 maximal knee extensors actions). Physiological markers of muscle function and damage (i.e., range of motion, delayed onset muscle soreness, isometric, concentric and eccentric peak torque) were assessed prior to and 1-3 and 5days post each session. Biochemical markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) were measured prior and 2days post each session. After the first bout, eccentric exercise induced greater muscle damage compared to concentric exercise; however, during the nine following sessions, this effect progressively diminished, while after the 10th week of training, no alterations in muscle damage biomarkers were observed after either exercise protocol. Additionally, strength gains at the end of the training period were comparable between the two groups and were mode-specific. (1) eccentric exercise per se does not affect muscle damage biomarkers; (2) muscle damage occurs as a result of muscle unaccustomedness to this action type; (3) exercise-induced muscle damage is not a prerequisite for increased muscle strength. Collectively, we believe that muscle unaccustomedness to high-intensity eccentric exercise, and not eccentric exercise per se, is the trigger for muscle damage as indicated by muscle damage biomarkers.

Biochemical markers of muscle damage and high serum concentration of creatine kinase in patients on statin therapy.

Aim: Some patients experience statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) and elevated serum concentrations of CK. The relationship between SAMS and biomarkers of muscle damage was examined. Methods: We analyzed 359 consecutive patients taking statins with high CK values. Muscle-related symptoms and biochemical variables, including CK, MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB), troponin and carbonic anhydrase type III were evaluated. Results: SAMS was reported by 181 (50.4%) patients and they had greater BMI (p=0.021) and a trend toward higher CK-MB values (p=0.064). The use of simvastatin (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.47-3.42), CK-MB (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.02-2.49)and BMI (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.10) were independent variables for SAMS. Conclusion: Simvastatin use, BMI and CK-MB were independent markers of SAMS.

Early higher dosage of alglucosidase alpha in classic Pompe disease

Background With conventional enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), the clinical prognosis of classic Pompe disease is often unsatisfactory. About half the patients treated with ERT at the recommended dosage (20 mg/kg every other week) require ventilatory support within the first years of life. The heterogeneous response to ERT has been related to different factors, including cross-reactive immunologic material (CRIM) status and age at ERT initiation. Early treatment with a standard dosage of ERT improves clinical outcome and avoids mechanical ventilation in CRIM-positive patients detected at newborn screening, not preventing persistent hyperCKemia and muscle weakness. Later treatment with higher dosages of ERT was shown to provide similar benefits in CRIM-positive patients. Here, we report the clinical and biochemical outcomes of six patients with classic Pompe disease treated with different dosages of alglucosidase alpha at different ages. Methods A standard dosage of ERT was employed in five patients, sharing a poor prognosis after transient clinical improvements, even in the case of early treatment (four died at 22.2±11.9 months and one survived but required tracheostomy and gastrostomy). Early higher dosage of alglucosidase alpha (40 mg/kg/week from 14 days) was administered to one CRIM-positive patient with fetal persistent bradycardia. Results Early higher dosage of alclucosidase alpha not only achieved normal neuromotor development but also the full correction of biochemical markers of muscle damage until 3 years of age, an unmet target with the standard dosage. Speech delay was not prevented by this approach. Conclusions We suggest that early treatment with a higher dosage of ERT may further improve clinical prognosis in classic Pompe disease.

Changes of the serum creatine phosphokinase in total hip arthroplasty in Vietnamese patients

BackgroundWe analyzed biochemical markers of muscle damage in patients treated with total hip arthroplasty with minimally invasive and standard posterolateral approach to providing objective evidence of the local soft-tissue injury at the time of arthroplasty. MethodsSixty-one patients in group one treated with minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty through an approach less 9 cm length and fifty-three patients in group two treated with the same procedure through an approach more than 9 cm length. Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels were measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, day 2 and 5. ResultsThe levels of the markers of muscle damage were increased in both group. The rise in the CPK level on postoperative day 1 in both group was 2.5–3 times higher than preoperative CPK and were slightly decreased on the next few days. There were no significant differences between the two cohorts of changes of CPK level. ConclusionsThe objective measurement of muscle damage marker provides an unbiased way of determining the immediate effects of surgical intervention in patients treated with total hip arthroplasty.

Preconditioning by light-load eccentric exercise is equally effective as low-level laser therapy in attenuating exercise-induced muscle damage in collegiate men.

Background/objectivePrevious studies have already reported an independent effect of light-load eccentric exercise (10% eccentric exercise contraction [EEC]) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a protective measure against more strenuous eccentric exercise. However, the difference between these two interventions is largely unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the preconditioning effect of 10% EEC vs. LLLT on subjective, physiological, and biochemical markers of muscle damage in elbow flexors in collegiate men.MethodsAll 36 enrolled subjects were randomly assigned to either 10% EEC or LLLT group. Subjects in 10% EEC group performed 30 repetitions of an eccentric exercise with 10% maximal voluntary contraction strength 2 days prior to maximal eccentric exercise bout, whereas subjects in LLLT group were given LLLT. All the indirect markers of muscle damage were measured pre-exercise and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the exercise-induced muscle damage protocol.ResultsThe muscle soreness was reduced in both groups (p = 0.024); however, soreness was attenuated more in LLLT group at 48 hours (33.5 vs. 42.7, p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the effect of 10% EEC and LLLT groups on other markers of muscle damage like a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (p = 0.47), range of motion (p = 0.16), upper arm circumference (p = 0.70), creatine kinase (p = 0.42), and lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.08). Within-group analysis showed both interventions provided similar protection over time.ConclusionThis study indicated that light-load eccentric exercise confers similar protective effect against subsequent maximal eccentric exercise as LLLT. Both the treatments could be used reciprocally based on the patient preference, costs, and feasibility of the equipment.

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

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 &lt; 0.001) and remained high throughout the 72 hour recover period (CK: p &lt; 0.05; LDH: p &lt; 0.001). Myo increased significantly POST-race (p &lt; 0.001) and returned to the PRE-race values 24 hours thereafter (p &lt; 0.05). DOMS increased significantly POST-race (p &lt; 0.001) and returned to the PRE-race values at 48 hours after (p &gt; 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.

Biochemical Differences Between Official and Simulated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Matches.

BackgroundOne of the goals for training in combat sports is to mimic real situations. For mixed martial arts (MMA), simulated sparring matches are a frequent component during training, but a there is a lack of knowledge considering the differences in sparring and competitive environments.ObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to compare biochemical responses to sparring and official MMA matches.Materials and MethodsTwenty five male professional MMA fighters were evaluated during official events (OFF = 12) and simulated matches (SIM = 13). For both situations, blood samples were taken before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) matches. For statistical analysis, two-way analysis of variance (time x group and time x winner) were used to compare the dependent parametric variables. For non-parametric data, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used and differences were confirmed by Mann-Whitney tests.ResultsNo significant differences were observed among the groups for demographic variables. The athletes were 26.5 ± 5 years with 80 ± 10 kg, 1.74 ± 0.05 m and had 39.4 ± 25 months of training experience. Primary results indicated higher blood glucose concentration prior to fights for OFF group (OFF= 6.1 ± 1.2 mmol/L and SIM= 4.4 ± 0.7 mmol/L; P < 0.01) and higher ALT values for OFF group at both time points (OFF: PRE = 41.2 ± 12 U/L, POST = 44.2 ± 14.1 U/L; SIM: PRE = 28.1 ± 13.8 U/L, POST = 30.5 ± 12.5 U/L; P = 0.001). In addition, the blood lactate showed similar responses for both groups (OFF: PRE= 4 [3.4 - 4.4] mmol/L, POST= 16.9 [13.8 - 23.5] mmol/L; SIM: PRE = 3.8 [2.8 - 5.5] mmol/L, POST= 16.8 [12.3 - 19.2] mmol/L; P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn conclusion, MMA official and simulated matches induce similar high intensity glycolytic demands and minimal changes to biochemical markers of muscle damage immediately following the fights. Glycolytic availability prior to the fights was raised exclusively in response to official matches.

Protein intake during training sessions has no effect on performance and recovery during a strenuous training camp for elite cyclists.

BackgroundTraining camps for top-class endurance athletes place high physiological demands on the body. Focus on optimizing recovery between training sessions is necessary to minimize the risk of injuries and improve adaptations to the training stimuli. Carbohydrate supplementation during sessions is generally accepted as being beneficial to aid performance and recovery, whereas the effect of protein supplementation and timing is less well understood. We studied the effects of protein ingestion during training sessions on performance and recovery of elite cyclists during a strenuous training camp.MethodsIn a randomized, double-blinded study, 18 elite cyclists consumed either a whey protein hydrolysate-carbohydrate beverage (PRO-CHO, 14 g protein/h and 69 g CHO/h) or an isocaloric carbohydrate beverage (CHO, 84 g/h) during each training session for six days (25–29 h cycling in total). Diet and training were standardized and supervised. The diet was energy balanced and contained 1.7 g protein/kg/day. A 10-s peak power test and a 5-min all-out performance test were conducted before and after the first training session and repeated at day 6 of the camp. Blood and saliva samples were collected in the morning after overnight fasting during the week and analyzed for biochemical markers of muscle damage, stress, and immune function.ResultsIn both groups, 5-min all-out performance was reduced after the first training session and at day 6 compared to before the first training session, with no difference between groups. Peak power in the sprint test did not change significantly between tests or between groups. In addition, changes in markers for muscle damage, stress, and immune function were not significantly influenced by treatment.ConclusionsIntake of protein combined with carbohydrate during cycling at a training camp for top cyclists did not result in marked performance benefits compared to intake of carbohydrates when a recovery drink containing adequate protein and carbohydrate was ingested immediately after each training session in both groups. These findings suggest that the addition of protein to a carbohydrate supplement consumed during exercise does not improve recovery or performance in elite cyclists despite high demands of daily exhaustive sessions during a one-week training camp.

Effects of cryotherapy on muscle damage markers and perception of delayed onset muscle soreness after downhill running: A Pilot study

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of cryotherapy on markers of muscle damage, as well as the perception of muscle soreness caused by eccentric exercise after downhill running. MethodsTen participants (age=26±5year, height=173±8cm and body mass=70±4kg) performed two running trials on a treadmill tilted –6.6%, separated by one-week period. Cryotherapy (∼15°C for 30 minutes) was conducted after one of the trials of exercise. Blood samples were analyzed for markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase – CK; lactate dehydrogenase – LDH; calcium – [Ca2+]). Perception of muscle soreness was quantified using an analogical scale of pain. Data were collected before, 24 and 48h after the trials with and without the use of cryotherapy. ResultsCryotherapy significantly reduced muscle soreness and was able to reestablish homeostasis in CK, LDH and [Ca2+]. ConclusionUse of cryotherapy after exercise with eccentric contractions was effective to reestablish the level of biochemical markers of muscle damage and reduce muscle soreness and pain perception in subjects submitted to downhill running.

Consecutive days of prolonged tennis match play: performance, physical, and perceptual responses in trained players.

To determine how consecutive days of prolonged tennis match play affect performance, physiological, and perceptual responses. Seven well-trained male tennis players completed 4-h tennis matches on 4 consecutive days. Pre- and postmatch measures involved tennis-specific (serve speed and accuracy), physical (20-m sprint, countermovement jump [CMJ], shoulder-rotation maximal voluntary contraction, isometric midthigh pull), perceptual (Training Distress Scale, soreness), and physiological (creatine kinase [CK]) responses. Activity profile was assessed by heart rate, 3D load (accumulated accelerations measured by triaxial accelerometers), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Statistical analysis compared within- and between-days values. Changes (± 90% confidence interval [CI]) ≥75% likely to exceed the smallest important effect size (0.2) were considered practically important. 3D load reduced on days 2 to 4 (mean effect size ± 90% CI -1.46 ± 0.40) and effective playing time reduced on days 3 to 4 (-0.37 ± 0.51) compared with day 1. RPE did not differ and total points played only declined on day 3 (-0.38 ± 1.02). Postmatch 20-m sprint (0.79 ± 0.77) and prematch CMJ (-0.43 ± 0.27) performance declined on days 2 to 4 compared with prematch day 1. Although serve velocity was maintained, compromised postmatch serve accuracy was evident compared with prematch day 1 (0.52 ± 0.58). CK increased each day, as did ratings of muscle soreness and fatigue. Players reduced external physical loads, through declines in movement, over 4 consecutive days of prolonged competitive tennis. This may be affected by tactical changes and pacing strategies. Alongside this, impairments in sprinting and jumping ability, perceptual and biochemical markers of muscle damage, and reduced mood states may be a function of neuromuscular and perceptual fatigue.

Effect of exhaustive weightlifting exercise on the maximal isometric force, electromyogram parameters, muscle pain, and biochemical markers of muscle damage

The effect of exhaustive weightlifting exercise (WE) on the time-related changes in performance capacity was studied along with measuring several physiological and biochemical variables during exercise. The work performed decreased soon after the start of exercise and stabilized after reducing the amount of weight used (40-10% 1RM). The maximal amplitude of the surface electromyogram (EMG) of m. rectus femori strongly tended to increase in the first half of WE and stabilized at the end of WE. WE substantially increased the blood plasma lactate level, the myoglobin concentration grew twice as high, while creatine kinase (CK) activity remained unchanged. It was assumed to explain the observed decrease in performance capacity that fast motor units (MUs) progressively refuse to work, while weaker intermediate and slow MUs continue working. Unchanged CK activity and an insignificant increase in plasma myoglobin suggested only minor, if any, WE-induced damage to myocyte membranes in the subjects.

Efficacy of pre-exercise low-level laser therapy on isokinetic muscle performance in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundType 2 diabetes, also known non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most prevalent type of the disease and involves defects in the secretion and action of insulin. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the efficacy of pre-exercise low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on muscle performance of the quadriceps femoris in individuals with type 2 diabetes.Methods/DesignA double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial will be carried out in two treatment phases. In the first phase, quadriceps muscle performance will be evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer and the levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase (biochemical markers of muscle damage) will be determined. The participants will then be allocated to four LLLT groups through a randomization process using opaque envelopes: Group A (4 Joules), Group B (6 Joules), Group C (8 Joules) and Group D (0 Joules; placebo). Following the administration of LLLT, the participants will be submitted to an isokinetic eccentric muscle fatigue protocol involving the quadriceps muscle bilaterally. Muscle performance and biochemical markers of muscle damage will be evaluated again immediately after as well as 24 and 48 hours after the experimental protocol. One week after the last evaluation the second phase will begin, during which Groups A, B and C will receive the LLLT protocol that achieved the best muscle performance in phase 1 for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of this period, muscle performance will be evaluated again. The protocol for this study is registered with the World Health Organization under Universal Trial Number U1111-1146-7109.DiscussionThe purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of pre-exercise LLLT on the performance of the quadriceps muscle (peak torque, total muscle work, maximum power and fatigue index – normalized by body mass) in individuals with DM-2. The study will support the practice of evidence-based to the use of LLLT in improving muscle performance in Individuals with DM-2. Data will be published after the study is completed.

What is the ideal dose and power output of low-level laser therapy (810 nm) on muscle performance and post-exercise recovery? Study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundRecent studies involving phototherapy applied prior to exercise have demonstrated positive results regarding the attenuation of muscle fatigue and the expression of biochemical markers associated with recovery. However, a number of factors remain unknown, such as the ideal dose and application parameters, mechanisms of action and long-term effects on muscle recovery. The aims of the proposed project are to evaluate the long-term effects of low-level laser therapy on post-exercise musculoskeletal recovery and identify the best dose andapplication power/irradiation time.Design and methodsA double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with be conducted. After fulfilling the eligibility criteria, 28 high-performance athletes will be allocated to four groups of seven volunteers each. In phase 1, the laser power will be 200 mW and different doses will be tested: Group A (2 J), Group B (6 J), Group C (10 J) and Group D (0 J). In phase 2, the best dose obtained in phase 1 will be used with the same distribution of the volunteers, but with different powers: Group A (100 mW), Group B (200 mW), Group C (400 mW) and Group D (0 mW). The isokinetic test will be performed based on maximum voluntary contraction prior to the application of the laser and after the eccentric contraction protocol, which will also be performed using the isokinetic dynamometer. The following variables related to physical performance will be analyzed: peak torque/maximum voluntary contraction, delayed onset muscle soreness (algometer), biochemical markers of muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress.DiscussionOur intention, is to determine optimal laser therapy application parameters capable of slowing down the physiological muscle fatigue process, reducing injuries or micro-injuries in skeletal muscle stemming from physical exertion and accelerating post-exercise muscle recovery. We believe that, unlike drug therapy, LLLT has a biphasic dose–response pattern.Trial registrationThe protocol for this study is registered with the Protocol Registry System, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01844271.

Effect of sulphurous mineral water in haematological and biochemical markers of muscle damage after an endurance exercise in well-trained athletes

To investigate the effects of sulphurous mineral water (SMW) after a hydroponic treatment on muscle damage, antioxidant activity and peripheral blood changes induced by submaximal exercise. Thirty well-trained male triathletes were supplemented with SMW or placebo: 3 weeks of placebo, 30 days of wash out and 3 weeks of SMW. After both periods, participants ran for 2 h at 70% maximal aerobic speed. Antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity and blood cell markers were compared between placebo and SMW at pre-exercise (T0), immediately post-exercise (T1), 24 h post-exercise (T2) and 48 h post-exercise (T3). Total thiols decreased until T3 vs. T0 for both placebo and SMW; transient red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit increased were shown at T1 vs. T0 and for leucocytes until T2 vs. T0, only for placebo group. Total thiols increased significantly in SMW vs. placebo at T0; Thiobarbituric acid reactive species was significantly higher at T0, T1, T2 and T3; catalase increased significantly at T1; creatine phosphokinase decreased significantly at T1, T2 and T3, although no significant differences were found at T0. Furthermore, red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit were significantly higher and leucocytes were significantly lower at T0 and T1 in SMW group vs. placebo group. This study suggests that three weeks of SMW supplementation may protect from exercise-induced muscle damage.

Triphasic multinutrient supplementation during acute resistance exercise improves session volume load and reduces muscle damage in strength-trained athletes

We hypothesized that triphasic multinutrient supplementation during acute resistance exercise would enhance muscular performance, produce a more favorable anabolic profile, and reduce biochemical markers of muscle damage in strength-trained athletes. Fifteen male strength-trained athletes completed two acute lower-body resistance exercise sessions to fatigue 7 days apart. After a 4-hour fast, participants consumed either a multinutrient supplement (Musashi 1-2-3 Step System, Notting Hill, Australia) (SUPP) or placebo (PLA) beverage preexercise (PRE), during (DUR), and immediately postexercise (IP). Session volume loads were calculated as kilograms × repetitions. Lower-body peak power was measured using unloaded repeated countermovement jumps, and blood samples were collected to assess biochemistry, serum hormones, and muscle damage markers at PRE, DUR, IP, 30 minutes postexercise (P30), and 24 hours postexercise (P24h). The SUPP demonstrated increased glucose concentrations at DUR and IP compared with at PRE (P < .01), whereas PLA demonstrated higher glucose at P30 compared with at PRE (P < .001). Session volume load was higher for SUPP compared with PLA (P < .05). Cortisol increased at DUR, IP, and P30 compared with at PRE in both treatments (P < .05); however, SUPP also displayed lower cortisol at P24h compared with at PRE and PLA (P < .01). The total testosterone response to exercise was higher for PLA compared with SUPP (P < .01); however, total creatine kinase and C-reactive protein responses to exercise were lower for SUPP compared with PLA (P < .05). These data indicate that although triphasic multinutrient supplementation did not produce a more favorable anabolic profile, it improved acute resistance exercise performance while attenuating muscle damage in strength-trained athletes.