title: Training adaptation and biological changes among well-trained male triathletes.
abstract: The distinction between training and overtraining responses is an important prerequisite for any potential marker for monitoring overtraining in athletes. In this study, eight well-trained male triathletes undertook physical performance assessments, at 6 weekly intervals, throughout a 9-month intensive training season. At each assessment, a resting blood sample was obtained for determination of a number of biological parameters previously associated with overtraining. All athletes produced significant (P < 0.05) improvements in running speed at anaerobic threshold (ATRS) from 15.6 +/- 0.2 k.h-1 at the start of the season to 16.6 +/- 0.6 k.h-1 at the time of major competitions. This improvement in performance was taken as evidence of well balanced training programs. Significant changes (P < 0.05) in plasma glutamine and plasma uric acid concentrations were observed during the training season, and both correlated moderately with ATRS (r = 0.365 and r = -0.328, respectively). None of the other parameters measured showed any significant changes during the training season. The elevations in plasma glutamine concentration observed in response to long-term balanced training may be distinguishable from previous reports of decreased glutamine concentrations in overtrained athletes, making it a potentially valuable tool in the monitoring of overtraining in athletes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia. d.rowbottom@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Rowbottom
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Keast
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Garcia-Webb
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Morton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005973:Glutamine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D005973:Glutamine; D014527:Uric Acid