Basal Markers of Inflammation, Muscle Damage, and Performance during Five Weeks of Pre-Season Training in Elite Youth Rugby League Players

Daniel Ferris^1*, 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

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.