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

Comportamento das respostas dos marcadores indiretos de dano muscular após uma competição de ciclismo de 130-km

Abstract

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 noteworthy 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.

Key words
Bicycling; Creatine kinase; L-Lactate dehydrogenase; Myalgia; Myoglobin; Recovery of function

Resumo

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar os efeitos de uma competição de ciclismo de 130-km nos índices de marcadores bioquímicos indiretos de dano muscular e na dor muscular durante um período de 72 horas de recuperação. Quinze ciclistas do sexo masculino que estavam em treinamento competitivo por mais de dois anos e que estavam em treinamento sistemático, pelo menos três dias por semana, foram submetidos à coleta de marcadores bioquímicos indireto de dano muscular (CK, LDH e Mioglobina) e dor muscular em cinco momentos distintos de coleta: antes, depois, 24, 48 e, 72 horas após uma competição de ciclismo. A CK e a LDH aumentaram imediatamente após a corrida (p < 0,001) e mantiveram-se elevadas durante as 72 horas de recuperação (CK: p < 0,05; LDH: p < 0,001). A Mioglobina aumentou logo após a competição (p < 0,001) e retornou aos valores basais 24 horas após (p < 0,05). A dor muscular aumentou logo após a competição (p < 0,001) e retornou aos valores basais após 48 horas de recuperação (p > 0,05). Uma competição de ciclismo de 130-km teve efeitos notáveis sobre os índices de marcadores bioquímicos indiretos de lesão muscular e dor muscular, indicando que um período de 72 horas de recuperação pode não ser o suficiente para ciclistas de longa distância, isto também reforça as proposições da literatura científica sobre a necessidade de um período de recuperação suficiente para os atletas de ciclismo de fundo.

Palavras-chave
Ciclismo; Creatina quinase; L-Lactato eesidrogenase; Mialgia; Mioglobina; Recuperação de função fisiológica

INTRODUCTION

Endurance cycling is based on the pursuit of an athlete’s optimal performance, it places great demand on various physiological and biochemical aspects1, and thus, it is extremely important to be aware of all these variables in order to optimize the athletes’ performance2. However, the increase in exercise load that accompanies endurance cycling causes muscle damage, fatigue and muscle pain3. Because of this, to achieve the greatest possible gains in athletic performance, it is necessary to find the perfect balance between the best training load and a sufficient recovery period4^,5, even though, the balance between training and overtraining is often very delicate6.

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 effect7. Methods to assess exercise-induced muscle injury can be obtained mainly from measurements of concentration of biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage in the blood (e.g., CK, LDH, and Myo), and by subjective muscle soreness by visual analog scale8.

The ability of endurance cyclists to fully recover before their next competition or high intensity training session is crucial not only for their performance but also for injury prevention. Furthermore, 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. Therefore, 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.

METHODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES

Subjects

Fifteen endurance-trained male cyclists (mean ± SD; age: 27.5 ± 6.3 year; height: 177.2 ± 4.5 cm; weight: 72.3 ± 5.2 kg; body fat: 8.4 ± 2.7 %; VO₂max: 62.3 ± 7.8 mL∙kg^-1∙min^-1) volunteered for this study. All participants were competing for more than 2 years and were involved in systematic training at least of 3 days/wk.

Participants visited the laboratory twice before the experimental protocol and cycling race. During the first visit a comprehensive verbal and written explanation about the benefits and risks of the study were given for all subjects, after this, they signed off the informed consent document institutionally approved. A health history questionnaire and a physical activity readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) were also completed and the subjects were familiarized with the test procedures of experimental protocol. During the second visit subjects’ characterization body weight and height, body fat percentage, and VO₂max were determined. The Research Ethics Committee of the Department of Health Sciences of the Federal University of Paraná, approved this study (protocol: 1256.181.11.11).

Study Design

Experimental protocol was conducted by five different moments of data collection: before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) the cycling race, and 24, 48, 72 hours thereafter. The PRE-race data collection was performed 24 hours before the cycling race (Fig. 1). Participants were instructed to not to perform any kind of physical exercise from 48 hours prior to the first data collection (PRE-race) until the cycling race and during the 72 hours recovery period beyond the POST-race data collection point. Biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) were collected at each moment.

Figure 1
Study Design.

Procedures for data collection

• Biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage

  Blood samples were drawn from an antecubital arm vein using a 20-gauge disposable needle equipped with a Vacutainer tube holder (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ). The collected samples (10mL) were held in Vacutainer tubes containing SST-Gel and a Clot Activator. Samples were separated and analysed according to specialised laboratory conditions for the following variables: Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Myoglobin (Myo).

  Assays: CK activity was determined spectrophotometrically by using a commercially available kit (Spinreact, Sant Esteve, Spain). LDH activity was determined spectrophotometrically by means of commercial diagnostic test kit (Sigma Diagnostics, St. Louis, MO). Myo scores were recorded sing assays for Myoglobin N latex myoglobin reagents (the Behringwerk AG, Marburg, Germany) for use with Behring Nephelometer.

• Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS)

  DOMS was determined by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) by Huskisson9. The VAS is a psychometric response scale used in this study to determine the subjective muscle soreness. A scale of 0 to 10, where 0 represents no soreness and 10 the worst possible soreness experienced, was engaged. VAS scores were recorded at the time of contraction of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscle and by a palpation on the muscles belly.

• 130-km Cycling race

  The cycling race happened at the International Racetrack of Curitiba. The circuit contains seven curves to the right, four to the left and five line segments, with the longest being 980 meters. Totaling 3,695 meters long, 15 feet wide, and contains a maximum gap of 4 meters (Fig. 2), where the athletes completed 35 rounds of racing completing a total distance of 130-km.

Figure 2
Circuit of International Racetrack.

According to the weather records from SIMEPAR: a local meteorological agency, the cycling race was convened in a temperature of 12.3°C and relative humidity of 59.7%, with characteristic of cloudy weather. During the race, hydration and replenishment of energy substrates were determined as free for the cyclists. All participants declared not to be using any medication, supplements containing stimulants and/or anabolic steroids during the race or even for the whole stage of the experimental protocol.

Statistical analysis

Results are reported as descriptive statistics (Mean ± Standard Error). The comparison between treatments was done using GEE (Generalized Estimating Equations) at statistical package (IBM SPSS Statistics 20). To determine the level of significance “Wald test” was used and analysis “post-hoc” made by LSD (Least Significant Difference) p < 0.05. All charts were done by using the software GraphPad Prism® V 5.0.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate the CK levels increased significantly POST-race (p < 0.001). Additionally, results recorded at the 24 hour and 48 hour periods after the race also indicated that the CK levels remained higher that PRE-race and POST-race values (p < 0.05). However, 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).

Figure 3
Creatine kinase (CK), and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) changes following a cycling race. Values shown as mean ± SE. Different letters means statistically differences between the moments of data collection (p < 0.05). Same letters means no statistically differences between the moments of data collection (p > 0.05).

Similarly, LDH levels increased significantly POST-race (p < 0.001) and remained higher than PRE-race moment values throughout the 72 hours recovery period (p < 0.001). 24 hours after race LDH remained higher than PRE-race but lower than 72 hours after (Fig. 3).

POST-race data collection of Myo was significantly higher than PRE-race (p < 0.001) and higher than any other moments of data collection (p < 0.001). Interestingly, Myo data drawn from the 24 hour, 48 hour and 72 hour intervals after the race demonstrate no difference with PRE-race data, another difference was discovered from 24 hours to 72 hours after the race (p < 0.05) (Fig. 4).

Figure 4
Myoglobin (Myo) changes following a cycling race. Values shown as mean ± SE. Different letters means statistically differences between the moments of data collection (p < 0.05). Same letters means no statistically differences between the times of data collection (p > 0.05).

Evaluated by the VAS the subjects reported significant increase of DOMS POST-race (p < 0.001), 24 hours after it was significantly lower than POST-race (p < 0.001), 48 hours lower than 24 hours after (p < 0.001), and 72 hours lower than 48 hours after race (p = 0.003). Whereas, the moments 48 and 72 hours after the race had no statistic differences compared with the PRE-race moment (Fig. 5).

Figure 5
Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) changes following a cycling race. Values shown as mean ± SE. Different letters means statistically differences between the moments of data collection (p < 0.05). Same letters means no statistically differences between the moments of data collection (p > 0.05).

DISCUSSION

The findings of this research shows that a 130-km cycling race has a noteworthy effect on indices of biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage and muscle soreness. Immediately after the race all biochemical indirect markers had increased plasma concentrations, noting that the specific biomarkers CK and LDH did not return to baseline values within 72 hours. Furthermore, DOMS increased POST-race and did not returned to baseline values until a 48 hours recovery period had passed.

It is very important to monitor the behavior of biochemical indirect markers for muscle damage after strenuous exercise. Increased plasma concentrations of CK, LDH and Myo are specific indicators of muscle damage10^,11. Furthermore, the knowledge of the behavior of these biomarkers enables scientists, coaches and athletes in the area to better fit their training intensity for both enhancement of sports performance and to prevent the onset of overtraining, thus improving not only athletic performance, but also their health and quality of life12^,13.

CK values will increase significantly immediately after strenuous exercise, even when performed in different modalities such as a soccer game14, eccentric exercise protocol15, and long distance competitive running (half marathon – 21km)16. Moreover, these levels can remain elevated for up to 96 hours after exercise.

This is similar to the research of Machado et al.17 who found significant high levels of CK up to 120 hours after long distance competition (ultra-marathon), this research finding supports assertions of other researchers18^,19 that says CK serum levels may remain higher from 2 to 7 days after strenuous resistance exercise. In addition, it is known that CK_peak is usually reached between 24 and 96 hours after exercising15^,20^,21. LDH such as CK, increases its plasma levels after exercise and may remain elevated for up to 72 hours after reaching LDH_peak 48 hours after exercise14.

The present investigation supports similar findings in a number of other studies that observed a significant increase of CK14^,16^,17 and LDH14 plasma levels immediately after strenuous exercise (Fig. 3). Our research also concurs with the earlier works of Ispirlidis et al.14 and Machado et al.17 concerning the responses of CK and LDH plasma concentration levels after exercise and its time-course of changes. As these studies14^,17 have both reported the CK and LDH plasma concentration responses had not returned to pre-exercise levels within a 72 hour recovery period. However, the biomarker concentration peaks in comparison with previously mentioned studies14^,15 have occurred at different moments in the recovery period. They14^,15 have found LDH_peak at 48 hours after and CK_peak at 96 hours after exercise, while we found LDH_peak at 72 hours after, and CK_peak at 48 hours after the exercise. What may explain these differences in the results, is the different kind of physical exercise stimulus performed in each study. In this study the control group was exposed to a 130-km cycling race, whereas other studies used a soccer game14 and an eccentric exercise protocol15.

Modelling studies19^,21^,22 have already shown that these differences occur because the extent of muscle damage caused by exercise is dependent on the intensity and duration of each sports practice and even the experience and training level of each subject. Moreover, the behavior responses of CK after exercise are associated with the biological individuality of athletes, which can classify them as “high-responders” or “low-responders”21^,23.

According to Bär et al.18, Myo is a more specific biomarker of muscle damage, in this case Bär and colleagues justify such a conclusion based on the fact that unlike CK and LDH, Myo levels increase immediately post-exercise and remain so for just the first 24 hours of a recovery period. This report represents an important relationship with the findings of the present research, since Myo have showed to be significantly elevated at the point of POST-race measurement, but showed no significant difference 24 hours after comparing with PRE-race moment (Fig. 4).

In this research the Myo plasma concentration levels showed similar results to a number of other studies12^,24 which also presented findings that demonstrate significantly increased Myo levels at the moment of post-exercise, and even showed Myo_peak in same moment of data collection12.

On the other hand, when compared to the studies of Neubauer et al.12 and Ahmadi et al.25 about the time-course of changes in Myo after exercise the present investigation found a different result. The researches of Ahmadi et al.25 and Neubauer et al.12 both have reported higher levels of Myo for up to 2 and 19 days respectively after exercise before returning to pre-exercise values. However, it is worth noting that these studies were performed by a walking on a treadmill protocol (negative inclination)25 and an Ironman competition12. These differences in post-exercise behavior of Myo can also be supported by the differences between the exercises performed in each study, differing in volume, intensity and the specificity of the mechanics of movement performed.

The delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is also constantly described as an indirect marker of muscle damage induced by exercise26^-28. Two studies15^,26 observed the muscle soreness after muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise protocol and found similar responses to the DOMS after exercise. DOMS increased significantly during the first 24 hours recovery period, peaked at 48 hours and returned to baseline values 96 hours after exercise in both studies. In the previously mentioned study14 which measured the muscle soreness responses following a soccer game found significant increase in DOMS 24 hours later, reaching peak at 48 hours and returning to pre-game values 72 hours after the game.

In the present research, DOMS had a different response after strenuous exercise when compared with the studies cited above. In this study, DOMS had recorded a significant increase and peaked immediately POST-race and remained higher for the 24 hour afterward, but 48 and 72 hours after the race showed no significant statistical difference with PRE-race moment (Fig. 5). These differences time-course of change in muscle soreness responses after exercise with other studies could be explained by the specificity of exercise performed in the present study, which differs from the studies above cited.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study points out the importance of monitoring the indirect markers of muscle damage by professionals and coaches for better scheduling and planning of training and competition for cycling endurance athletes. All biochemical indirect markers tested in this research had increased its plasma concentrations at POST-race measurements, noting that CK and LDH did not return to baseline values within 72 hours. Furthermore, DOMS increased POST-race as well and did not returned to baseline values until a 48 hours recovery period had passed. These data provide compelling evidence to suggest that a 72 hour recovery period do not seems to be enough for long-distance cyclist. Moreover, our findings supports the earlier propositions of scientific literature about the need of a sufficient recovery period for these athletes.

This investigation also observed that after long distance cycling competition the indices of biochemical indirect markers and DOMS have a different response in peak time and recovery time comparing with other sports and exercise-induced muscle damage protocol. This alone reinforces the importance of each variable collected in this research and the specificity of each exercise performed. Demonstrating for coaches, trainers and professionals of this area the importance of testing their athletes and comparing results with other research involving same sport subjects and same variables, in order to avoid signs of overtraining and subsequently decrease the rates of injury and fatigue caused by the practice of high intensity sports without an enough rest period.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  May-Jun 2016

History

• Received
  10 Oct 2015
• Accepted
  21 Apr 2016