Research article - (2018)17, 417 - 425
Impact-Induced Muscle Damage: Performance Implications in Response to a Novel Collision Simulator and Associated Timeline of Recovery
Mitchell Naughton1,, Joanna Miller2, Gary J. Slater1
1School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
2Physiology, Australian Institute of Sports, Canberra, Australia

Mitchell Naughton
✉ School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
Email: mrn004@student.usc.edu.au
Received: 04-05-2018 -- Accepted: 07-06-2018
Published (online): 14-08-2018

ABSTRACT

The implications of impact-induced muscle damage (IIMD) that results from participation in contact-sport are not well understood. The purpose of the present study was to implement a novel method of generating IIMD and characterise the implications of this on perceptual, biochemical and exercise performance parameters. Eighteen male recreational contact-sport athletes completed a single-group time series with measures assessed at baseline (PRE) and immediately following (POST) an IIMD protocol, with repeat testing 24, 48, and 72 h following the IIMD protocol. Biochemical indices of muscle damage (myoglobin [Mb]) and inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]), 15 m sprint performance, squat jump peak power (SJ-PP), and perceived soreness were compared to PRE using a one-way (time) repeated measures ANOVA with post-hoc t tests. Speed over 5 and 15 m were impaired for 48 h (7.5 ± 4%, p < 0.01) and SJ-PP was impaired for 48 h following the IIMD protocol (9.5 ±3 %, p < 0.01). Subjective soreness was elevated from baseline for 72 h (P < 0.01) following the IIMD protocol. No change in [CRP] or [Mb] was observed (p > 0.01). IIMD resulted in impaired ability to produce power and speed, whilst negatively influencing perceived soreness. These changes were most pronounced in the 48 h following the IIMD protocol. No change in muscle damage or inflammation indices were observed, primarily due to the highly variable response. Thus, the experimental protocol used in the present study may be used as a model to further investigate other aspects of IIMD.

Key words: Muscle damage, rugby, collisions, performance, recovery

Key Points
  • Repeated collisions induced by a novel collision simulator can lead to muscle damage which has negative effects on exercise performance and soreness.
  • Examination of the timeline of recovery suggests that performance and soreness are affected for at least 48 h following IIMD.
  • Muscle damage and inflammatory markers were not significantly different from baseline, although this might reflect methodological consideration of the testing protocol.
  • This model could be used to study broader aspects of recovery following IIMD and examine strategies that may accelerate athletic recovery.








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