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01-01-2016 | Original Article

Muscle damage, inflammatory, immune and performance responses to three football games in 1 week in competitive male players

Authors: Magni Mohr, Dimitrios Draganidis, Athanasios Chatzinikolaou, Jose Carlos Barbero-Álvarez, Carlo Castagna, Ioannis Douroudos, Alexandra Avloniti, Alexandra Margeli, Ioannis Papassotiriou, Andreas D. Flouris, Athanasios Z. Jamurtas, Peter Krustrup, Ioannis G. Fatouros

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Purpose

We examined effects of a three-game, 1-week microcycle (G1, G2, G3) on recovery of performance and inflammatory responses in professional male footballers.

Methods

Players were randomized into an experimental (EXP; N = 20) and a control group (CON; N = 20). Blood was drawn and repeated sprint ability (RSA), muscle soreness and knee range of motion (KJRM) were determined pre- and post-games and during recovery.

Results

High-intensity running during G2 was 7–14 % less compared to G1 and G3. RSA declined in EXP by 2–9 % 3 days post-game with G2 causing the greatest performance impairment. In EXP, game play increased muscle soreness (~sevenfold) compared to CON with G2 inducing the greatest rise, while KJRM was attenuated post-game in EXP compared to CON (5–7 %) and recovered slower post G2 and G3 than G1. CK, CRP, sVCAM-1, sP-Selectin and cortisol peaked 48 h post-games with G2 eliciting the greatest increase. Leukocyte count, testosterone, IL-1β and IL6 responses, although altered 24 h post each game, were comparable among games. Plasma TBARS and protein carbonyls rose by ~50 % post-games with G2 eliciting the greatest increase 48 h of recovery. Reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio declined for 24 h post all games with G2 displaying the slowest recovery. Total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity increased (9–56 %) for 48 h in response to game play.

Conclusion

In summary, post-game performance recovery and inflammatory adaptations in response to a three-game weekly microcycle displayed a different response pattern, with strong indications of a largest physiological stress and fatigue after the middle game that was preceded by only a 3-day recovery.

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Title: Muscle damage, inflammatory, immune and performance responses to three football games in 1 week in competitive male players
Authors: Magni Mohr
Dimitrios Draganidis
Athanasios Chatzinikolaou
Jose Carlos Barbero-Álvarez
Carlo Castagna
Ioannis Douroudos
Alexandra Avloniti
Alexandra Margeli
Ioannis Papassotiriou
Andreas D. Flouris
Athanasios Z. Jamurtas
Peter Krustrup
Ioannis G. Fatouros
Publication date: 01-01-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3245-2

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Muscle damage, inflammatory, immune and performance responses to three football games in 1 week in competitive male players

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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