The purpose of this study was to verify whether a low intensity recovery exercise program during a 7-day micro cycle during the competition season does not negatively affect biomarkers of muscle tissue damage in elite soccer players with EIMD. In addi...
The purpose of this study was to verify whether a low intensity recovery exercise program during a 7-day micro cycle during the competition season does not negatively affect biomarkers of muscle tissue damage in elite soccer players with EIMD. In addition, the purpose is to determine at what stage during the recovery process EIMD biomarkers recover and whether athletic performance improves due to the supercompensation effect through the taper. Methods: This study was conducted from January 2023 to October 2023 on elite male soccer players belonging to Team A located in Songpa-gu, Seoul. A total of 16 people were selected and divided into 8 low intensity jogging group (LIJ) and 8 control group (CON). Blood tests were measured 11 times to check CPK and LDH levels, which are biomarkers of muscle tissue damage. To statistically analyze the measured results, GraphPad Prism 9.4.2. was used. [Results] There was no statistically significant difference in the change in CPK after EIMD between the LIJ and CON (p>0.05). There was also no statistically significant difference in changes in LDH between the two groups (p>0.05). Repeated measurements and post hoc verification results showed that CPK significantly increased on the 5th day (24 hours post-mortem) compared to the baseline. [Conclusion] This study confirmed that a 7-day micro cycle low intensity recovery exercise program during the competitive season did not cause additional muscle tissue damage in elite soccer players with EIMD. In addition, since it was confirmed that the supercompensation effect targeted through the taper strategy was normally achieved, low intensity jogging exercise can be organized as a regular recovery exercise program that can be performed without fear of additional muscle damage for individual or team goals. It is strongly recommended to players, coaches, and trainers.