Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Effects of Single, Maximal Intensity Exercise Unit on Selected Markers of Bone and Connective Tissue Turnover in
Małgorzata Bagińska1, Małgorzata Morawska-Tota2, Tomasz Pałka3
1Department of Water Sports, Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Physical Culture in Kraków, 31-571 Kraków, Poland.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Bone tissue undergoes continuous remodelling processes that are closely controlled by mechanical stimuli and metabolic as well as inflammatory factors. Although the beneficial effects of regular physical activity on skeletal health are well documented, the response of bone turnover markers to a single maximal intensity exercise-particularly depending on training level-still remains ambiguous. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a single physical exercise unit at maximum intensity on changes in selected biochemical markers specific for bone tissue, connective tissue remodelling and systemic stress response in young men. Methods: The study comprised 34 healthy men aged 20-25 years, divided into two groups: experimental (training, n = 15) and control (non-training, n = 19). The test was performed on a mechanical treadmill with a gradually increasing load (until subjective feeling of fatigue). Blood samples were collected before and 60 min following the test, and then assessed for the concentration of selected bone turnover markers, including bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), hydroxyproline (GEN HYP) and haptoglobin (HPT). Results: In the group of training individuals, a significant decrease in BSP concentration was observed after physical exercise (p = 0.003). CTX-I concentration was significantly lower in training individuals compared to their non-training peers, regardless of measurement time (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant increase in GEN HYP concentration was observed after exercise in both groups (p = 0.033). For the remaining analysed markers, including DPD and HPT, no significant changes were demonstrated post-exercise. Conclusions: A single bout of maximal intensity exercise induces short-term, marker-specific changes in bone turnover dependent on training level, which reflect an early metabolic response of the musculoskeletal system rather than direct structural adaptation of the bone tissue.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:40Bone Remodeling