Research Article, J Athl Enhanc Vol: 7 Issue: 2
Basal Markers of Inflammation, Muscle Damage, and Performance during Five Weeks of Pre-Season Training in Elite Youth Rugby League Players
Daniel Ferris1*, Tim Gabbett2, Christopher Mclellan3 and Clare Minahan1
1Griffith Sports Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
2Gabbett Performance Solutions, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
3School of Health and Wellbeing, University Of Southern Queensland, Qld, Australia
*Corresponding Author : Daniel Ferris
Griffith Sports Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
E-mail: dferris@seaeagles.com.au
Received: January 05, 2018 Accepted: February 06, 2018 Published: February 13, 2018
Citation: Ferris D, Gabbett T, Mclellan C, Minahan C (2018) Basal Markers of Inflammation, Muscle Damage, and Performance during Five Weeks of Pre- Season Training in Elite Youth Rugby League Players. J Athl Enhanc 7:2. doi: 10.4172/2324-9080.1000286
Abstract
Objectives: this study examined changes in basal biochemical markers of immune function and muscle damage, as well as physical performance during a typical pre-season training block in preparation for the Australian national youth rugby league competition.
Methods: twelve elite youth (i.e., 18-20 yrs.) rugby league players completed 5 weeks of physical training that included 10-12 sessions per week. Anthropometry, sprint speed, anaerobic power, leg power, upper- and lower-body strength were measured pre- and post-training. Venous blood was assessed for interleukin (IL-1b, IL- 10, IL-6, TNFα) and Creatine kinase (Ck) concentrations at weekly intervals.
Results: IL-1b and IL-10 concentrations were reduced from baseline after three and four weeks, respectively whereas IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations did not change over the 5-week period. Ck was increased above baseline after three weeks of training and returned to baseline at 5 weeks. Maximal bench press, hack squat, bench pull, and skinfold thickness were all improved after the 5-week training period.
Conclusion: Early increases in Ck may indicate muscle damage in response to an increased volume of physical activity or unaccustomed exercise, while a return to baseline Ck levels may indicate adaptation. Increases in muscle strength confirm positive muscle adaptation and the training resulted in a reduction in basal IL-10 and TNF alpha production which could be characteristics of normal training response. From a practical perspective, the program employed in this study provided a useful training plan to increase physical qualities, and adaptation to muscle damage.
