title: Training load, immune system, upper respiratory symptoms and performance in well-trained cyclists throughout a competitive season.
abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the leukocyte subset counts, serum immunoglobulin A, performance and upper respiratory symptoms (URS), as well as their interrelationships, of well-trained cyclists for a 29-week training season using monitored loads. The season was divided into three phases: preparatory (nine weeks), first competitive phase (nine weeks) and second competitive phase (11 weeks). The sample consisted of eight well-trained cyclists, aged 18 ± 2 years. Immunological parameters and performance were evaluated during weeks 1 (baseline), 10 (early first competitive phase), 19 (early second competitive phase) and 29 (end of the second competitive phase). The training loads (volume x rating of perceived exertion) were monitored daily while the monitoring of URS was performed every 15 days using the WURSS-44 questionnaire. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and a Pearson correlation test with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. No significant differences were found for training load, leukocyte subset counts or serum immunoglobulin A among the three phases. However, serum immunoglobulin A was 50.9% below the control group values. URS were significantly higher during the preparatory period, and there were significant correlations between URS and training load (strain) in the preparatory period (r = 0.72, p = 0.032) and second competitive phase (r = 0.73, p = 0.036). In conclusion, indicators of training load without a significant change throughout the season did not significantly affect immune parameters measured; however, the increase of strain can cause an increase of upper respiratory symptoms throughout the season, but without loss of performance.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiology Applied to Sport, Faculty of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campus Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil ; Faculty of Physical Education, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiology Applied to Sport, Faculty of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campus Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil ; Faculty of Physical Education, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Gobatto
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiology Applied to Sport, Faculty of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campus Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil ; Faculty of Physical Education, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: F B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Manchado-Gobatto
keywords: cycling; immune system; training load; upper respiratory symptoms
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