MUSCLE DAMAGE AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PROFILE IN THE IRONMAN BRAZIL TRIATHLON

Introduction: The Ironman triathlon is characterized as an activity of long duration in which acute organic changes are present. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between muscle damage and immune system. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 21 athletes at three different times: 2 days before (pre), immediately after (post) and 6 days after the event (6 days post). The creatine kinase (CK), total leukocytes, lymphocytes, lymphocyte subtypes CD4+ and CD8+ variables were independently assessed, as well as the CD4+ / CD8+ ratio. Additionally, the CK correlation as a marker of muscle damage with the other variables was studied. Results: Significant results observed were: leukocytes pre (6,242.9 mm3; SD: 1,233.3) and post (mean: 18,398.1 mm3; SD: 3,904.0; p<0.0001), post (mean: 18,398.1 mm3; SD: 3,904.0) and 6 days post event (mean: 6,396.4 mm3; SD: 1299.8; p<0.0001), CK pre (mean: 173.2 U/l; SD: 103.7) and post (2339.4 U/l; SD: 1729.0; p<0.0001), CK pre (mean: 173.2 U/l; SD: 103.7) and 6 days post (mean: 368.1 U/l; SD: 274.4; p<0.0053), CK post (mean: 2339.4 U/l; SD: 1729.0) and 6 days post (mean: 368.1 U/l; DP: 274.4; p<0.0003), CD4+ / CD8+ pre (mean: 1.9; SD: 0.8) and 6 days post (mean: 2.4; SD: 1.1: p<0.00032). Conclusion: There was muscle damage immediately after the event and improvement in immune profile on the sixth day after the event.