Acute CrossFit® Workout Session Impacts Blood Redox Marker Modulation

Abstract

We aimed to analyze the impact of a single CrossFit® session “workout of the day” (WOD) on plasma redox. Ten CrossFit®-experienced subjects volunteered to participate. Oxygen uptake (VO2) during WOD and treadmill running (TR), performed at the same VO2 and time as WOD, were continuously monitored. Venous blood samples were collected before (baseline—BL) and after both exercises, for lactate concentration, total antioxidant capacity, thiol content, and DNA damage measurements. Total antioxidant capacity decreased after both exercises (WOD and TR) vs. BL, with no differences between exercises. Thiol content increased after WOD; however, no differences between exercises were observed. DNA damage increased after both WOD and TR, although more exuberantly after WOD than TR. Much higher lactate levels were detected in WOD compared to TR. Our findings suggest that WOD induces an increased condition of oxidative injury and affects total antioxidant capacity in experienced CrossFit® performers.

6-Week Supplementation with Tribulus terrestris L. to Trained Male CrossFit® Athletes on Muscle, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Biomarkers: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…A recent study [ 33 ] showed a significant ( p < 0.05) decrease in plasma total antioxidant capacity after vigorous WODs. A CrossFit ® -based metabolic conditioning session increases oxidative stress in proportion to the intensity or fatigue induced by the duration of the training session [ 34 ].…”

“…A CrossFit ® -based metabolic conditioning session increases oxidative stress in proportion to the intensity or fatigue induced by the duration of the training session [ 34 ]. The high metabolic and mechanical demands of CrossFit ® would trigger different major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribution during and after WODs [ 33 ]. TT´s polyphenols and flavonoids act as antioxidants [ 12 , 35 ] which could modulate oxidative damage [ 16 ] by neutralizing the ROS, and potentially enhance post-WODs recovery [ 36 ].…”

“…After a high-intensity CrossFit ® training program, a process of muscle tissue breakdown and dumping of intramyocellular contents into the systemic circulation is initiated [ 38 ]. Sustained and intense WODs can initiate a significant elevation of several plasma stress mediators as markers of circulating muscle damage [ 33 ]. These biomarker elevations are indicative of increased EIMD [ 5 ], which negatively influences the performance and/or health of athletes [ 29 ].…”

Assessment of Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Contributions in an Extreme Intensity CrossFit® Benchmark Workout

“…Prior studies reveal an acute blood oxidative stress [ 23 ] response and heightened concentrations in the indirect blood markers of muscle damage, such as interleukin-6 and creatine kinase, post-CrossFit ® sessions [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Diverse CrossFit ® workouts correlate positively with elevated blood lactate concentrations ([La − ]), highlighting the impact of factors like workout intensity, duration, exercise variety and rest periods on physiological responses [ 11 , 13 , 21 , 22 , 27 ].…”

Pros and Cons of Two Methods of Anaerobic Alactic Energy Assessment in a High-Intensity CrossFit® Workout

“…CrossFit ® workouts comprise functional movements performed at high intensity, and are typically composed of gymnastic-type exercises, metabolic-related conditioning and weightlifting [10,11]. Fran is one of the most popular CrossFit ® benchmarks, a time-scored workout consisting of three rounds of 21, 15 and 9 front squat to press overheads (using a 43 and 30 kg barbell for males and females, subjects dropped the hips below the knees and finished the exercise with the knees, hips and elbows in full extension) plus pull-ups (the chin needed to pass the bar) repetitions [11,12].…”