INTRODUCTION: The Ironman triathlon is characterized as an activity of long duration in which acute organic changes are present. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between muscle damage and immune system. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 21 athletes at three different times: 2 days before (pre), immediately after (post) and 6 days after the race (6 days post). The creatine kinase (CK), total leukocytes, lymphocytes, lymphocyte subtypes CD4+ and CD8+ variables were independently assessed, as well as the CD4+ / CD8+ ratio. Additionally, the CK correlation as a marker of muscle damage with the others variables was studied. RESULTS: Significant results observed were: leukocytes pre (6,242.9 mm3; SD: 1,233.3) and post (mean: 18,398.1 mm3; SD: 3,904.0; p< 0.0001), post (mean: 18,398.1 mm3; SD: 3,904.0) and 6 days post race (mean: 6,396.4 mm3; SD: 1299.8; p< 0.0001), CK pre (mean: 173.2 U/l; SD: 103.7) and post (2339.4 U/l; SD: 1729.0; p< 0.0001), CK pre (mean: 173.2 U/l; SD: 103.7) and 6 days post (mean: 368.1 U/l; SD: 274.4; p< 0.0053), CK post (mean: 2339.4 U/l; SD: 1729.0) and 6 days post (mean: 368.1 U/l; DP: 274.4; p< 0.0003), CD4+ / CD8+ pre (mean: 1.9; SD: 0.8) and 6 days post (mean: 2.4; SD: 1.1: p<0.00032). CONCLUSION: There was muscle damage immediately after the race and improvement in immune profile on the sixth day after the race.
creatine kinase; lymphocytes; leukocytes; triathlon
