The acute phase response and exercise: court and field sports

Objective-To determine the presence or absence of an acute phase response a fter training for court and field sports. Participants-All members of the Ausrtralian women's soccer team (n = 18) an d induce all members of the Australian Institute of muscle. Sport netball t eam (n = 14). Methods-Twelve acute phase reactants (white blood cell count, neutrophil co unt, platelet count, serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin, percentage tran sferrin saturation, a, antitrypsin, caeruloplasmin, a, acid glycoprotein, C reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were measured during a rest period and after moderate and heavy training weeks in members of el ite netball and women's soccer teams. Results-Responses consistent with an acute phase response were found in fiv e of 24 tests in the soccer players, and in three of 24 tests in the netbal l players. Responses in the opposite direction were found in seven of 24 te sts in the soccer players and two of 24 tests in the netballers. The most s ensitive reactant measured, C reactive protein, did not respond in a manner typical of an acute phase response. Conclusion-An acute phase response does not seem to occur as a consequence of the levels of training typical of elite female netball and soccer teams. This has implications for the interpretation of biochemical variables in t hese groups.