Football training session rises creatine kinase but does not impair performance

Abstract Aim: Determine the relationship between changes in oxidative stress markers, muscle damage, DOMS, and their relationship with performance in response to a session of football training during a 1-week recovery period of young football players. Methods: Nineteen young football players aged 16.7±1.0 years were included in the study. After initial evaluation for basal levels of oxidative stress and muscle damage markers, DOMS, and performance testing (Vertical Jump, Agility T-test, and RAST potency test), the athletes were submitted to a routine training session composed of squatting exercises, followed by a simulated football match of 45 minutes. Athletes were reevaluated for 3 consecutive days (24h, 48h, and 72h after the training session) during the recovery week. Results: An elevated DOMS score in the quadriceps and posterior thigh (P<0.05) and serum CK was observed 24h to 72h after the training session. Despite elevated DOMS and CK muscle damage markers, no changes were observed in the vertical jump test, RAST potency test, or agility T-test during the recovery week. In addition, no changes in the oxidative stress markers analyzed MDA, AOPP, and GSH were observed during the recovery week. Conclusion: Training sessions with squatting exercises and simulated matches promote a rise in CK and DOMS, but not sufficient to impair physical performance during the training week in young players.