UDC

612.127.4:796.92

DOI

10.17238/issn2542-1298.2019.7.2.169

Authors

Ol’ga I. Parshukova*, Evgeniy R. Boyko*, Vera E. Larina**
*Institute of Physiology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, FRC Komi SC UB RAS (Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian Federation)
**Pitirim Sorokin Syktyvkar State University (Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russian Federation)
Corresponding author: Ol’ga Parshukova, address: ul. Pervomayskaya 50, Syktyvkar, 167982, Respublika Komi, Russian Federation; e-mail: olga-parshukova@mail.ru

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the levels of stable nitric oxide metabolites (nitrates and nitrites) in elite cross-country skiers during several annual training cycles and correlate these data with the athletes’ performance. The observation group included male skiers with the ranks of the Candidate for Master of Sport and Master of Sport that are members of the national team of the Komi Republic. The levels of nitrates and nitrites were assessed during the general (June–August), preparatory (September–October) and competitive (December–March) phases of the annual training cycle over three seasons (2012–2013, 2013–2014 and 2014–2015). In addition, the athletes’ race results were analysed and correlated with their blood levels of nitrates and nitrites at rest. We found that in 2012–2013 and 2013–2014, the skiers had lower levels of nitrate (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) during the competitive period than during the general and preparatory periods. Compared to the previous seasons, 2014–2015 demonstrated the opposite dynamic. We revealed a positive correlation between the blood level of nitrites and the place taken in the competition (r = 0.5, p = 0.01) and a negative correlation between the content of nitrates (r = –0.4, p = 0.05) and the place taken. The results of this study indicate the importance of determining the levels of stable nitric oxide metabolites in the blood of elite athletes as one of the markers of working capacity and physical performance.

Keywords

elite cross-country skiers, stable nitric oxide metabolites, nitrates, nitrites, sport performance

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