Effect of Long-lasting Adaptation to Endurance and Speed-power Training on Plasma Free Amino Acids Concentration

The goal of this observational study was to detect the long-term effect of two different training modalities - speed-power and endurance training - on changes in plasma free amino acid (PFAA) concentration at rest, during graded exercise and post-exercise recovery period. It was assumed that these training modalities cause different amino acids concentration in human blood depending on long-term sport specialization and predominant exercise type (the contribution of high-intensity exercise related to anaerobic metabolism). The hypotheses were:highly-trained speed-power have higher concentrations of PFAA than endurance athletes;PFAA concentration varies with the change in training loads in a one-year training cycle. Higher PFAA concentrations is expected in training phases with larger contribution of high-intensity exercise;PFAA concentration per 1 kg muscle mass differ between speed-power and endurance athletes.Forty-eght highly-trained athletes aged 18-32 years with longer competitive sport experience - sprinters vs triathletes/distance runners - and 10 recreationally trained controls were examined. Laboratory tests were conducted in consecutive training subphases.(i) Body composition and muscle mass was assessed using densitometry. (ii) Participants underwent a graded exercise treadmill test until exhaustion. (iii) Blood samples were drawn at rest, during exercise (every 3 min, at each speed change), and after exercise (immediately and 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min post exercise).(iv)The analysis of PFAA profiles was based on the Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) technique and the aTRAQ reagent. This allowed to quantify 42 PFAAs.The results improve the understanding of metabolic adaptation to long-term exercise programmes. Possible practical application encompasses the domains of exercise medicine, sport and public health.The novelty of the project: (1) comparing the effect of two different training models on PFAA concentration, (2) tracking the changes in PFAAs across a one-year training cycle, (3) repeated multiple sampling in one exercise session including resting conditions, (4) introducing skeletal muscle mass as a factor potentially affecting PFAA profiles, (5) a large number (42) of proteinogenic- and non-proteinogenic PFAAs, (6) homogenous highly-trained athletic groups, and (7) a proven state-of-the-art method to determine PFAAs.

Inclusion Criteria for professional athletes:highly trained sprint- and endurance-trained athletesnational or international performance levelcurrent participation in training programs organized by professional sports clubs or national team (licence) for at least 5 yearscurrent medical eligibility for competitive sportInclusion Criteria for amateur/recreational athletes:regular recreational activity for at least 5 years (preferred endurance disciplines)participation in amateur competitiongood health statusnon-smokingExclusion Criteria for professional athletes:untrained individualsathletes that do not meet the above criteria for participation in professional sportinjured athletes or those who are not able or willing to participate for other reasonsExclusion Criteria for amateur/recreational athletes:inactive/sedentary individualsmedical contraindications to high-intensity exercise and testinginjured individuals or those who are not able or willing to participate for other reasonscurrent smokers or heavy past smokers