Antioxidants Combined With Cryotherapy on Inflammatory Response After Resistance Exercise in Untrained Volunteers

The regular practice of physical exercises promotes anti-inflammatory effects, which reduces the mortality from all causes, especially by cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, physical exercise induces acute inflammatory responses. Acute resistance exercises provoke mechanical and metabolic stress which may vary depending on the intensity, specificity, volume and workload. During these exercises, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are formed and, when its production exceeds the antioxidant enzymatic capacity (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic capacity (vitamins A, C, E and uric acid) results in oxidation of cell constituents. This state of oxidative stress promotes one inflammatory response, activation and mobilization of circulating white blood cells and induce a transitory leukocytosis, that are observed during and immediately after resistance exercises. The local neutrophilia induces the amplification of inflammatory response by feedback resulting in activation and/or mobilization of the more white blood cells. This sequence of physiological events leads to muscular remodeling although, during such process, occur functional insufficiency and the sensation of pain and/or delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS), which deserves special attention, once may lead to interruption or abandonment of exercises, especially concerning beginners in this practice.

Numerous preventive approaches have been studied intending to minimize the inflammatory response caused by resistance exercises, including the supplementation with vitamins C (ascorbic acid) and E (alfa-tocopherol). These vitamins are exogenous antioxidants which are able to prevent damages caused by RONS and consequently attenuate the oxidative damage induced by resistance exercises. Cryotherapy is defined as the therapeutic application of any substance that removes heat from the body, thus lowering the temperature of tissues. Immersion in cold water (≤ 15ºC) is a common method of heat reduction. Cryotherapy attenuates microvascular dysfunction, and decreases temperature, metabolism and oxygen demand in the electron transport chain. As a consequence, lower amounts of RONS are produced less damage was caused to adjacent molecules. The aim of the present research are to investigate the effects of the concomitant supplementation of vitamins (C and E) and cryotherapy (immersion in water at 15ºC) on leukocytosis, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters and pain in untrained individuals submitted to a resistance exercise session.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 20 and 35 years, body mass index (MBI: kg/m2) lower than 30, non-smokers, did not practice physical and/or regular physical exercises (less than two times per week), presented no previous diagnosis of chronic diseases (rheumatic, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, oncologic, immunological or hematologic disorders), is not engaged in any diet programs and is not making use of medication.

Exclusion criteria

• Inflammatory response (ultrasensitive C reactive protein >3 mg/dL), hyperglycemia (>100 mg/dL), leukocytosis, hyperthermia (>38ºC), changes in the systemic blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg) and/or any symptom of pain or discomfort