Changes in the Hormonal and Inflammatory Profile of Young Sprint- and Endurance-trained Athletes.

Twenty-four young male and female athletes, specializing in athletics disciplines such as sprint (hurdles, 100m, 110m), and endurance: race walk, 5000m, and 10000m, volunteered to take part in this study. Investigation was held during 9 days of the training camp (preparatory period, general preparation sub-period), which was aimed at increasing the endurance and flexibility of athletes. During the training camp, all subjects occupied the same accommodations and followed the same training plan and diet schedules. The camp regime included 2 training sessions per day, lasting 4 hours per day, and a total of 21 hours per 9 days. Blood samples were taken always in the same conditions, from the antecubital veins. Participants were seated in a recumbent position for a minimum of 10 minutes before blood draws to stabilize the hydrostatic condition. Before collection of the first sample (rested baseline), participants were asked to avoid any intense exercise at least 24 hours before sampling. Next samples were taken after 4 days and after another 5 days of training camp (in total after 9 days). The concentration of catecholamines: epinephrine and norepinephrine in serum was measured as well and the responsiveness of the adrenal medulla to the sympathetic nervous activity was estimated by the ratio E/NE calculated. Also, concentrations of cortisol, hs-CRP, and myoglobin were measured and changes in blood morphology were estimated.

Inclusion criteria

• age 15-17 years,
• minimum of 3 years of training experience,
• specialization in anaerobic and aerobic disciplines.

Exclusion criteria

• presence of acute or chronic inflammation
• fever, infections, injuries
• se of any anti-inflammatory drugs.