Differences in Immune Response During Competition and Preparation Phase in Elite Rowers

Abstract

Background: Metabolic stress is high during training and competition of Olympic rowers, but there is a lack of biomedical markers allowing to quantify training load on the molecular level. We aimed to identify such markers applying a complex approach involving inflammatory and immunologic variables.Methods: Eleven international elite male rowers (age 22.7 ± 2.4 yrs.; VO2max 71 ± 5 ml·min−1·kg−1) of the German National Rowing team were monitored at competition phase (COMP) vs. preparation phase (PREP), representing high vs. low load. Perceived stress and recovery were assessed by a Recovery Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-76 Sport). Immune cell activation (dendritic cell (DC)/macrophage/monocytes/T-cells) was evaluated via fluorescent activated cell sorting. Cytokines, High-Mobility Group Protein B1 (HMGB1), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), creatine kinase (CK), uric acid (UA), and kynurenine (KYN) were measured in venous blood.Results: Rowers experienced more general stress and less recovery during COMP, but sports-related stress and recovery did not differ from PREP. During COMP, DC/macrophage/monocyte and T-regulatory cells (Treg-cell) increased (p = 0.001 and 0.010). HMGB1 and cfDNA increased in most athletes during COMP (p = 0.001 and 0.048), while CK, UA, and KYN remained unaltered (p = 0.053, 0.304, and 0.211). Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (p = 0.002), TNF-α (p < 0.001), and the chemokine IL-8 (p = 0.001) were elevated during COMP, while anti-inflammatory Il-10 was lower (p = 0.002).Conclusion: COMP resulted in an increase in biomarkers reflecting tissue damage, with plausible evidence of immune cell activation that appeared to be compensated by anti-inflammatory mechanisms, such as Treg-cell proliferation. We suggest an anti-inflammatory and immunological matrix approach to optimize training load quantification in elite athletes.

Relationship between physical performance and perception of stress and recovery in daily life post COVID-19—An explorative study

“…hematological and metabolic deficits). Furthermore, an increase in general emotional and physiological stress was seen in elite athletes during competition phases, presumably leading to an alerted immune response and inflammatory processes that might be interconnected with mental and physical performance [ 18 ]. Therefore, it can be assumed that higher stress levels in post COVID-19 athletes can lead to an altered immune system, which can trigger inflammatory processes.…”

“…In contrast, however, large monotonous training volumes may increase stress [ 17 ]. The altered perception of stress can lead to the triggering of inflammatory processes [ 18 ]. The pandemic also resulted in a decrease in social activities, which may have led to a reduction of mental health among some individuals [ 19 ].…”

Influence of the 2000-m ergometer test on indirect markers of intestinal injury in competitive elite rowers in different training phases

“…The 2000-m rowing race distance at the Olympic level is covered in approximately 5.5–7.5 min, depending on the boat class, sex, and environmental conditions. Rowing requires a high mechanical power output of 450–550 W ( 9 ) at a high percentage of V̇O 2max . After the race, the blood lactic acid (LA) concentration can reach 15–16 mmol/l [ 10 ].…”

“…This training comprises rowing, nonspecific endurance, and strength training. Additionally, rowing training is associated with a unique metabolic demand [ 9 ]. Thus, we examined the changes in markers of gut integrity in competitive elite rowers (members of the Polish National Team; we measured the eliteness/expertise of the athletes in accordance with Swan et al [ 12 ]) during the 2000-m ergometer test at two times during the training cycle: the preparatory phase (Test I) and the competitive phase (Test II).…”

“…Thus, we examined the changes in markers of gut integrity in competitive elite rowers (members of the Polish National Team; we measured the eliteness/expertise of the athletes in accordance with Swan et al [ 12 ]) during the 2000-m ergometer test at two times during the training cycle: the preparatory phase (Test I) and the competitive phase (Test II). Given that inflammatory markers during the competitive phase are higher, we hypothesise that markers of intestinal permeability are also more elevated during that phase [ 9 ].…”