Muscle biomarkers of physiological stress in competitive sports practice: a systematic review

Authors

  • ana-karenina-sa Fernandes UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DO CEARÁ https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8200-0335
  • José Carlos Gomes de Carvalho Leitão Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro: Vila Real, Vila Real, PT
  • António José Abelha Cortinhas Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro: Vila Real, Vila Real, PT
  • Ariclécio Cunha de Oliveira Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9295-8157
  • Adriano César Carneiro Loureiro Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9681-1945

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v63.110055

Keywords:

Biomarkers, physiological stress, physiology, sports medicine, striated muscle

Abstract

Introduction: Participation in sports competitions often requires a high level of effort from the athlete, which generates physiological stress in the body, resulting in changes in muscle biomarker parameters.

Objective: This study aimed to verify the effects of sports competition practices on biomarkers of physiological stress.

Methodology: The databases used to search for studies in this systematic review were: PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect; according to the following descriptors used in the search: biomarkers and "stress, physiological" and sports that involved studies between 1974 to 2023. The study selection process occurred according to the PRISMA protocol divided into four stages: identification of articles in the databases (n = 196); screening by reading the titles and abstracts of the articles (n = 191); eligibility by evaluating the studies by reading them in full (n = 5); and inclusion of scientific articles (n = 5) that met all the inclusion criteria. The PICOS method was used to evaluate the article selection criteria.

Results: The results showed the participation of biomarkers such as metabolites (lactate and creatine kinase), proteins (lactate dehydrogenase, myoglobin and others) and messenger RNAs in competitions of five different sports: adventure racing, rally, rugby, running and triathlon. There was an increase in the concentrations of these biomarkers after the end of the competitions and the concentration of myoglobin showed an increase in triathlon athletes that lasted for 19 days.

Conclusions: The main conclusion of the study points to physiological stress with fatigue and muscle damage in athletes participating in sports competitions that appear after the end of the event.

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Published

2025-01-28

How to Cite

Fernandes, ana- karenina- sa, Gomes de Carvalho Leitão, J. C., Abelha Cortinhas, A. J., de Oliveira, A. C., & Carneiro Loureiro, A. C. (2025). Muscle biomarkers of physiological stress in competitive sports practice: a systematic review. Retos, 63, 768–777. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v63.110055

Issue

Section

Theoretical systematic reviews and/or meta-analysis