Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
faculty member of Kharazmi university
2
PhD Student in Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
3
3. Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
4
Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
5
Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22059/jsb.2026.414128.1707
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Managing training load and recovery in professional athletes requires a precise understanding of inflammatory marker kinetics. This study aimed to investigate the timed response of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to a single professional throwing exercise session in elite athletes.
Methodology: In this semi-experimental study with a repeated measures design, 10 elite male throwers were purposively selected. Subjects performed a high-intensity throwing session. Blood samples were collected at three phases: baseline, immediately post-exercise, and 2 hours post-exercise to measure serum IL-6 and CRP levels. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: The results showed that IL-6 levels increased significantly immediately post-exercise (from 1.25 to 10.84 pg/mL) and remained significantly higher than baseline at the 2-hour recovery mark despite starting a downward trend (7.52 pg/mL). In contrast, CRP levels showed no significant change immediately after exercise but increased significantly during the second hour of recovery compared to previous stages (from 0.65 to 1.95 mg/L).
Conclusion: Explosive and power-based throwing exercises trigger a rapid response in circulating cytokines (IL-6) and a delayed response in acute-phase proteins (CRP). Given the peaking of inflammatory markers in the early hours of recovery, coaches should pay special attention to this inflammatory window when scheduling consecutive training sessions for professional athletes.
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