The effects of a 3-week training on basal biomarkers in professional soccer players during the preseason preparation period

Aim. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of a 3-week training on biomarkers in professional soccer players during the preseason preparation-period. Methods. Eight participants (age 22.5 +/- 2.2 yrs) were enrolled in the study. During the physical preparation period players have attended a training program (51.9 hours) formulated by coaches of "Equipe-Sicilia-2009". Results. At rest, the lipid profile, the creatine kinase (CK), the lactic-acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and the expression of nuclear receptors peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR alpha/gamma) were analyzed before starting and after 3 weeks of training. The plasma level of CK in our samples showed great variability already in the baseline: value was on average nearly 500 IU/I showed that a large amount of these athletes were a high responders. This biomarker showed a reduction (P<0.01) after 3 weeks of training. No modifications were found in the LDH plasma level, in the lipid profile and in the expression of mRNA of PPAR alpha/gamma and also no significant person's correlations were found among variables. Conclusion. In conclusion, we retain that those basal biomarkers, except CK, are not able to assist coaches to better understand training adaptations and overreaching mechanisms during a 3-week of preseason preparation-period.