Aim: The study aims to examine the impact of acute episodes of exercise on plasma IGF-1 levels and their association with the body composition of athletes training for track and field events.
Sample: Study participants were recruited via purposive sampling. Seven people were chosen from an inventory of athletes from the Egyptian Athletics Federation, comprising 4, 1, and 2 800-, 400- and 100-metre runners, respectively, from the Olympic Club membership.
Methods: Following baseline measurements, physiological and biochemical parameters were acquired, together with body composition, prior to any physical exertion which resting state. Athletes then performed warm-up activity on a treadmill at a speed of 5 km/h and with zero inclines The speed was gradually increased every two minutes until a pulse rate of (170 beats/min) was achieved (or until fatigue was encountered). The treadmill speed was slowly elevated at two-minute intervals until a 170 beats/min heart rate or fatigue was attained. Physiological parameters were evaluated at this limit, and then body composition and biochemical assays were undertaken.
Results: Baseline biochemical parameters which IGF-1, LDH, MB, and CRP, were within the normal range prior to exertion. Following the physical activity, these variables were elevated but remained within the expected range given the reduction in muscle mass following exercise. However, CPK was higher than the normal range prior to and following the exercise test, owing to the number of training stress the athletes underwent during their daily fitness routines at the Olympic Club.