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Published on: May 26, 2020
Effect of training load on simulated team sport match performance
Katie May Slattery1, Lee Kenneth Wallace, David John Bentley
1Human Performance Laboratory, University of Technology Sydney, Lindfield, Australia. katie.m.slattery@uts.edu.au
Summary
Increased training load significantly impairs running performance and alters metabolic and inflammatory markers in team sport athletes. High training loads reduce sprint velocity and total distance, indicating decreased capacity.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Training load is a critical factor influencing athletic performance and physiological responses.
- Understanding the impact of varying training loads on markers of muscle damage and inflammation is crucial for optimizing training protocols in team sports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 4 days of high (HIGH) versus low (LOW) training loads on running performance during a simulated team sport match.
- To analyze plasma markers of anaerobic metabolism, muscle damage, and inflammation in response to different training loads.
Main Methods:
- Seven team sport athletes underwent a 60-min simulated match protocol before and after HIGH or LOW training loads.
- Blood samples were collected pre-match, immediately post-match, and 2 hours post-match to measure interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, xanthine oxidase (XO), and hypoxanthine.
Main Results:
- The HIGH training load significantly reduced sprint velocity (p < 0.001) and total distance covered (p = 0.02) during the simulated match compared to the LOW load.
- Serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration increased significantly (p = 0.005) following the HIGH training load, indicating greater muscle damage.
- The HIGH training load also led to altered post-match levels of hypoxanthine, MCP-1, and xanthine oxidase (XO).
Conclusions:
- Four days of increased training load negatively impacts running performance during simulated team sport matches.
- Higher training loads induce significant changes in metabolic and inflammatory markers, suggesting an increased physiological stress and potential for muscle damage.
