Practical Protocol for Monitoring Biochemical Markers During the Season

Practical protocol for monitoring biochemical markers during the sports season.

Practical Protocol for Monitoring Biochemical Markers During the Season

1. General Preparation Phase

  • Objective: To develop the general physical base.
  • Recommended Measures:
    • Creatine Kinase (CK): Once a week, 24 to 48 hours after intense strength and conditioning sessions.
    • Cortisol/Testosterone Ratio: Once every two weeks to actively monitor hormonal balance and anabolic/catabolic state.
    • Ferritin: Once at the beginning of the preparation phase to evaluate baseline iron reserves.

2. Specific Preparation Phase

  • Objective: To develop sport-specific qualities (speed, explosive power, anaerobic capacities, etc.).
  • Recommended Measures:
    • Blood Lactate: Analyzed during performance tests (speed or endurance testing) every two weeks.
    • Creatine Kinase (CK): Twice a week during periods of increased training load and volume.
    • Cortisol/Testosterone Ratio: Once a week.
    • CRP (C-Reactive Protein): Monitored solely in cases of abnormal systemic fatigue or suspected inflammation.

3. Competition Phase

  • Objective: To maintain peak performance levels and mitigate excessive neuromuscular and systemic fatigue.
  • Recommended Measures:
    • Creatine Kinase (CK): 24 hours after each official match or highly intense physical event.
    • Cortisol/Testosterone Ratio: Once every two weeks.
    • Blood Glucose: Tested on the morning of major competitions to verify the athlete's energetic and glycogen status.
    • CRP (C-Reactive Protein): In the event of persistent muscle soreness or clinical signs of fatigue.

4. Transition Phase (End of Season)

  • Objective: To facilitate complete recovery and physiological regeneration.
  • Recommended Measures:
    • Creatine Kinase (CK): Once, to verify full muscular recovery and tissue repair.
    • Ferritin: Re-assessment of iron stores post-season.
    • Cortisol/Testosterone Ratio: To evaluate and ensure the return to physiological hormonal homeostasis.
    • Blood Urea: To confirm the absence of excessive protein breakdown and muscle catabolism.

⚠️ Important Remarks

  • Sampling Conditions: Blood samples must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach (typically between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM), strictly prior to any physical activity.
  • Individualized Interpretation: Data analysis must be highly individualized. Results should be compared against the athlete's own baseline values (historical data) rather than solely relying on general clinical norms.
  • Data Trends: The evolution and trending of the measurements over time are significantly more relevant than isolated absolute values. (Example: A +30% spike in CK levels compared to the athlete's usual baseline is a direct clinical sign of physical overload).

← Back