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Related Experiment Videos

Immunological responses to overreaching in cyclists.

Shona L Halson1, Graeme I Lancaster, Asker E Jeukendrup

  • 1Human Performance Laboratory, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|May 17, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Intensified training in cyclists caused overreaching, impacting performance and mood. The glutamine/glutamate ratio, not plasma cytokines, may indicate overtraining.

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Area of Science:

  • Exercise physiology
  • Sports science
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Prolonged strenuous exercise can suppress immunity and increase infection risk.
  • Few studies have explored immune responses to overreaching or overtraining in athletes.
  • This study examined immunological markers during intensified training in endurance cyclists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of intensified training on plasma cytokines, glutamine, glutamate, and other immunological variables in endurance-trained cyclists.
  • To identify potential biomarkers for overreaching and overtraining in athletes.
  • To understand the relationship between training load, immune function, and performance decline.

Main Methods:

  • Eight male cyclists underwent 6 weeks of training: normal, intensified (ITP), and recovery.

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  • Subjects completed maximal effort tests and time trials during the study.
  • Plasma cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6), glutamine, glutamate, creatine kinase, and mood state were measured weekly.

    • Main Results:

    • Intensified training led to overreaching, evidenced by performance decline and mood disturbances.
    • Creatine kinase and glutamate levels increased significantly during intensified training.
    • The glutamine/glutamate ratio, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume decreased post-intensified training.

    Conclusions:

    • Plasma cytokine alterations were not linked to performance decline or mood changes during overreaching.
    • The glutamine/glutamate ratio shows potential as a biomarker for overreaching and overtraining.
    • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the immune response to intensified training protocols.