The Specific Judo Training Program Combined With the Whole Body Cryostimulation Induced an Increase of Serum Concentrations of Growth Factors and Changes in Amino Acid Profile in Professional Judokas

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a specific training program, supported by 10 sessions of whole body cryostimulation, on growth factors concentrations, amino acids profile and motor abilities in professional judokas. Ultimately, twelve athletes took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to the cryostimulation group (CRY, n = 6) or the control group (CON, n = 6). During 2 weeks of the judo training program, the CRY group performed 10 cryo-sessions (3-min, at a temperature of -110°C) and the CON group rested passively. Anthropometric measurements, a strength test, the Special Judo Efficiency Test (SJET) were assessed 2 days before and after the judo training program. Blood samples were collected at rest, 1 h after the first and the second SJET and 1 h after the first and the last cryo-session to establish growth factors and amino acid concentrations. Lactate level was measured before, immediately after and 1 h after the first and the second SJET. The applied intervention resulted in a significant increase of resting concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (from 10.23 ± 1.61 to 15.13 ± 2.93 ng⋅ml^-1; p = 0.01) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1; from 174.29 ± 49.34 to 300.50 ± 43.80 pg⋅ml^-1; p = 0.00) in the CRY group. A different response was registered 1 h directly post SJET in the CRY group (a significant increase of IGF-1, interleukin 15 and irisin: p = 0.01; p = 0.00; p = 0.03). Additionally, the significant drop of proline and leucine concentrations in the CRY group was obtained. Athletes' performance remained unchanged in both groups. However, subjects perceived positive changes induced by the intervention - not directly after cryostimulation but in response to the specific training workload. The increase of growth factors concentrations and the improvement of amino acid profile (proline and leucine) contributed to maintaining a high level of muscle function.

Keywords: interleukin 15; irisin; martial arts; physical therapy; recovery.

FIGURE 1

The study schedule and the configuration of the Special Judo Efficiency Test (SJET). R – recruitment and division judokas into two group, WBC – whole body cryostimulation, S1: blood samples collection (syringe): at rest (I, Ia), anthropometric measurements, strength test, the Special Judo Efficiency Test (SJET) before (S1) and after intervention (S2). Blood samples collection 1 h after the first (II) and the second (IIa) SJET; 1 h after the first (III) and last cryo-session (IIIa). The SJET illustration: (A) – “zempo-ukemi” judo forward roll break-fall performed by Tori (thrower) toward other Uke (throw receiver), (B) – single throw performed by Tori on Uke, 4 m – distance between uke, timer – time of the test for men 5 min and for women 4 min.

FIGURE 2

The immunological response induced by training and whole body cryostimulation. (A) delta changes (Δ POST to PRE) of brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF (effect size p η${}_p^2$ 0.47 and (C) insulin-like growth factor 1 – IGF-1 (effect size p η${}_p^2$ 0.81); comparison of serum growth factors concentration at rest: (B) BDNF, (D) IGF-1, (E) IL-15, (F) irisin; *significant changes (p < 0.05); CRY, cryostimulation group; CON, control group; POST, post intervention values, PRE, pre-intervention values; I, baseline, Ia, after 2-week the training program.

FIGURE 3

The effect of Special Judo Efficiency Test (SJET) performed before and post 2 weeks of intervention. Comparison serum concentration of resting (I, Ia) and 1 h post SJET values (II, IIa): (A) insulin-like growth factor 1 – IGF-1 (CRY IIa vs CON IIa: p = 0.01, effect size 0.52); (B) IL-15, interleukin 15 (CRY IIa vs CON IIa: p = 0.03, effect size 0.38); (C) irisin (CRY IIa vs CON IIa: p = 0.00, effect size 0.63); CRY – cryostimulation group; CON – control group with passive rest.