The Effects of Acute Training with a Combination of Plyometrics and Multijoint Resistance Exercise on Biochemical Markers of Muscle Damage

Athanasios Chatzinikolaou1, Michalis Tsiavtaris1, Alexandra Avloniti1, Ioannis Katrabasas3,

AntonisKampas1, Ioannis Michailidis1,Ioannis Douroudos1,Konstantinos Margonis1, Konstantinos Kallinis1, Kyriakos Taxildaris1,Athanasios Z. Jamurtas2,4,& Ioannis Fatouros1

1Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini,Hellas

2Department of Physical Education and Sport Science Sports Science,University of Thessaly,Trikala,Hellas

3Unit of Orthopaedics,Asklipio Hospital at Voula, Athens,Hellas

4Institute of Human Performance & Rehabilitation,Center for Research and Technology,Thessaly,Trikala,Hellas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute complex training (combination of plyome- trics and multi-joint resistance exercises) on muscle damage markers. Twenty-four young, healthy men were ran- domly assigned to one of three groups: a) Complex training group with high-intensity resistance exercise(CH, N=8, plyometrics: 100 total foot contacts; resistance exercise: 90% 1RM, 3 sets/exercise of 3 repetitions each), b) Complex training group with low-intensity resistance exercise(CL, N=8, plyometrics: 100 total foot contacts; resistance exercise: 50% 1RM, 3 sets of 3 repetitions each), and c) a control group (C=8). Creatine kinase (CK) activity, lactate dehydrogonase (LDH) activity, cortisol, testosterone and testosterone to cortisol ratio were assessed at rest, immediately post-exercise as well as 24h, 48h, 72h, and 96h of recovery. CK activity was markedly ncreased (p<.05) by 75% and 82% 24h post-exercise in CL and CH, respectively and returned to baseline thereafter. LDH activity increased in both exercise groups (60-70%) throughout recovery. Cortisol concentration increased (p<.05) throughout recovery in both groups. Testosterone concentration increased (p<.05) for as long as 72h post in CH and between 48h and 72h of recovery in CL. In conclusion, it appears that complex training produced a marked rise of muscle damage markers which may be related to a cortisol-mediated immunosuppression.

Key words: plyometrics, weight training, muscle damage, performance, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogonase, cortisol, tes- tosterone