Changes in glutamine and glutamate concentrations for tracking training tolerance.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• High-performance athletes undergo rigorous training demanding precise monitoring.
• Understanding physiological markers of training tolerance is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing overtraining.

Purpose of the Study:

• To monitor plasma glutamine (Gm) and glutamate (Ga) concentrations in elite athletes during training.
• To develop a model for assessing athlete tolerance to training based on Gm and Ga levels.

Main Methods:

• Plasma Gm and Ga concentrations were measured in 52 national team athletes across different sports (speed skating, swimming, cross-country skiing).
• Measurements were taken during rested conditions and throughout 2-4 training macrocycles, including heavy training phases.
• Athletes were categorized by gender and training status, including those who became overtrained (OTA).

Main Results:

• Overtrained athletes (OTA) exhibited significantly higher plasma Ga and lower Gm/Ga ratios compared to non-overtrained athletes in rested conditions.
• Heavy training led to decreased Gm and increased Ga concentrations, lowering the Gm/Ga ratio across all athletes.
• OTA demonstrated the most pronounced alterations in Gm and Ga concentrations and Gm/Ga ratio during heavy training.

Conclusions:

• Plasma glutamine concentration correlates with tolerance to training volume.
• Plasma glutamate concentration reflects tolerance to high-intensity training.
• The plasma Gm/Ga ratio serves as a comprehensive indicator of overall athlete tolerance to training stress.