Publication
Acute Effects of Training Loads on Muscle Damage Markers and Performance in Semi-elite and Elite Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Publisher:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date:
07-06-2021
DOI:
10.1007/S40279-021-01486-X
Abstract: The relationship between exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) indicators and acute training loads (TL) is yet to be reviewed extensively in semi-elite and elite athlete populations. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were threefold: (1) to evaluate studies of EIMD following the initial period of the preseason in semi-elite and elite athletes: (2) to examine acute physiological and performance responses across two periods of the season with similar TL and (3) to examine acute physiological and performance responses to acute changes in TL during the season. The CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies that investigated: (1) semi-elite or elite athletes in team or in idual sports following a periodised training programme and (2) measured acute responses to training. Studies were excluded if: (1) conducted in animals (2) non-English language or (3) a conference abstract, review or case report. The Kmet Quality Scoring of Quantitative Studies tool was used for study appraisal. Data were quantitatively analysed by generating forest plots to report test statistics for statistical significance and inter-trial heterogeneity. Of the included studies (n = 32), athletes experienced greater creatine kinase (CK) concentrations (Z = 4.99, p < 0.00001, I This review included varying age, sex, sports and competition levels. The group level meta-analysis failed to identify within-athlete or position-specific differences across time. Blood biomarkers of EIMD may not differ across periods of similar TL, however can be considered a sensitive monitoring tool for assessing responses following acute TL changes in semi-elite and elite athletes.