EFFECT OF COMPETITION ON SALIVARY CORTISOL, IMMUNOGLOBULIN A, AND UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN ELITE YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

Mortatti, AL, Moreira, A, Aoki, MS, Crewther, BT, Castagna, C, de Arruda, AFS, and Filho, JM. Effect of competition on salivary cortisol, immunoglobulin A, and upper respiratory tract infections in elite young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 26(5): 1396-1401, 2012-The present study examined the effect of a 20-day period of competition on salivary cortisol, mucosal immunity, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in young male soccer players (n = 14). The players were monitored during the main under-19 Brazilian soccer championship, in which 7 matches were played in 20 days. Saliva samples were collected in the morning of each match and analyzed for cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA). Signs and symptoms of URTI were assessed across the study and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained for each match. Compared with match 1, a significant increase in player RPE was observed in matches 4-7 (p < 0.05). Significant (p < 0.05) increases in the reporting of URTI occurred between matches 2 and 3, and 6 and 7, and this was accompanied by significant decreases in salivary IgA levels. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were also seen between the individual reports of URTI and the decrease in IgA levels in match 2 (r = -0.60) and match 6 (r = -0.65). These results suggest that decrements in mucosal immunity, as measured by salivary IgA concentrations, may lead to a greater incidence of URTI in elite young soccer players. It may be speculated that the physiological and psychological stressors imposed by training and competition in a short timeframe are major contributing factors to these responses. Thus, the monitoring of salivary IgA could provide a useful and noninvasive approach for predicting URTI occurrences in young athletes during short-term competitions, especially if frequent sampling and rapid measurements are made.

Muscle lesion treatment in Brazilian soccer players: theory vs. practice

Background: In this study we evaluated the rehabilitation profile of Brazilian soccer players which underwent lower limb muscle lesions. Methods: This is a descriptive investigation. We evaluated 139 professional soccer players (1724 years old). We evaluated the following variables: muscle lesion diagnosis, symptoms, non steroidal anti-inflammatory used, physiotherapy treatment, which physiotherapy recourses was used if treated and train adaptation. Results: In great part of the athletes muscle lesion remained between 2 weeks and 1 month. Around 54% were diagnosed by a physician; the other part was diagnosed by a physical therapist. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory were prescribed by physicians in 42% of the cases; in 7% the physical therapist prescribed the medication while in 49% of the cases the masseur prescribed the drug. More than 1/4 of the athletes received physiotherapy treatement between 48 hours and 5 days. Isometric exercise therapy was applied in 15% of the cases. 63% were not accompanied by the physiotherapist on their return to the field. 48% received massages immediately after injury. Conclusion: We presented discrepancy between the recommended theory described by several researches and the practice. We indicate the necessity of recycling in a general context the rehabilitation of muscle injuries.

Preparation of percentile tables through anthropometric, performance, biochemical, hematological, hormonal and psychological parameters in professional soccer players

Introduction: The lack of reference values of anthropometric, performance, biochemical, hematological, hormonal and psychological parameters is an important limitation in the investigations with soccer players. Objective: To elaborate percentile tables to be used as comparison reference for further studies. Methods: 82 professional soccer players were evaluated approximately 30 days after the beginning of the main competition played by their teams. On the first day of evaluation, fast blood samples were collected for measurement of hematological parameters (i.e. erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume - MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin - MCH, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration - MCHC, leukocytes, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets) and of concentrations of adrenaline, cortisol, creatine kinase, creatinine, norepinephrine, testosterone and urea. Subsequently, the soccer players had their anthropometric characteristics and psychological parameters assessed. In addition, the evaluation of the lactic anaerobic system efficiency was performed on a 400-m track. On the second day, both the alactic anaerobic and aerobic system efficiency was measured. Results: The percentile distribution (P-0, P-15, P-30, P-50, P-70, P-85 e P-100) was used to present the results. Conclusion: The elaboration of the percentile tables can be used as comparison reference for further studies.

Análise da suplementação de carboidratos e solução isotônica sobre parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de jogadores profissionais de futebol em condições reais de treinamento

Avaliou-se o efeito de uma suplementação com carboidratos e bebidas esportivas sobre parâmetros laboratoriais em atletas de futebol de campo, em uma situação real de treinamento. Foram coletados 10 ml de sangue venoso e 50 ml de urina em repouso e 15 minutos após treinamento. Os resultados mostram que o exercício intenso causou um variável grau de estase urinária, bem como provocou alterações hidroeletrolíticas caracterizadas por uma diminuição na concentração sérica de sódio, potássio, magnésio, fósforo e glicose (p<0,05), que não foi modificada por nenhum tipo de protocolo de suplementação nas condições propostas no presente estudo. A suplementação eletrolítica proposta mostrou-se limitada para evitar variações eletrolíticas e que a reposição deve ser avaliada à luz de um contexto ambiental e de treinamento.