High physical fitness is associated with reduction in basal‐ and exercise‐induced inflammation

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 2018-01, Vol.28 (1), p.172-179
• Main Authors: Kleiven, Ø., Bjørkavoll‐Bergseth, M., Melberg, T., Skadberg, Ø., Bergseth, R., Selvåg, J., Auestad, B., Aukrust, P., Aarsland, T., Ørn, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: bicycling; cardiovascular risk factors; C‐reactive protein; endurance exercise; Exercise; healthy individuals; Inflammation; Physical fitness; recreational sport; Sports medicine
• ISSN: 0905-7188; 1600-0838
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.12878

C‐reactive protein (CRP) increases after strenuous exercise. It has been a concern that prolonged strenuous exercise may be harmful and induce a deleterious inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to (a) assess and quantify the magnitude of CRP response following an endurance cycling competition in healthy middle‐aged recreational cyclists. (b) Identify important determinants of this response. (c) Identify the relationship between CRP, myocardial damage (cardiac Troponin I (cTnI)), and myocardial strain (B‐type natriuretic peptide [BNP]). (d) Identify the relationship between CRP and clinical events, defined as utilization of healthcare services or self‐reported unusual discomfort. Race time was used as a measure of physical fitness. A total of 97 individuals (43±10 years of age, 74 [76%] males) were assessed prior to and 0, 3, and 24 hours following the 91‐km mountain bike race “Nordsjørittet” (Sandnes, Norway, June 2013). There was a highly significant increase in CRP from baseline to 24 hours (0.9 (0.5‐1.8) mg/L vs. 11.6 (6.0‐17.5) mg/L (median[IQR]), P