Response of two swimming session on oxidative stress parameters in swimmers

Abstract

This study investigated the acute effect of two swimming sessions on oxidative stress markers in trained individuals. Twelve male volunteers, students from UNESC (Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciuma, Santa Catarina, Brazil), with a mean age of 28 ± 7 years, initial weight of 72.9 ± 9 kg and height of 1.75 ± 0.08 cm, participated in the study. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before the sessions, immediately after the first and second session, and 24 hours after the end of the sessions. Aliquots were washed, red blood cells were lysed and plasma samples were stored at -80oC until the time of the biochemical assays. Creatine kinase (CK) activity, lipid peroxidation level, protein carbonylation, thiol content and catalase activity were determined. The results showed a significant increase in CK, lipoperoxidation and protein carbonylation and a decrease in thiol content after the second swimming session (p < 0.05) compared to pre-swimming levels. Catalase activity increased after the first and second swimming sessions. The main finding of the present study was that only the second swimming session resulted in oxidative stress.