Effect of a Padel Match on Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in Professional Players with Regard to Gender-Related Differences

Abstract

Haematological and biochemical parameters have not yet been analysed in professional padel players. The aim of this study was to determine the basal values of these parameters and to observe the effect of a simulated competition on them, including gender-related differences. A total of 14 male professional players (age: 28.2 ± 7.9 years), and 16 female professional players (age: 29.7 ± 3.7 years) participated in this study. Players were allowed to hydrate ad libitum during the matches. Haematological and biochemical values were obtained before and after a simulated competitive padel match. The men’s group showed higher baseline values in red blood cells, haematocrit, haemoglobin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) (p < 0.01) than the women’s group. Attending to match effect, significant differences were obtained in urea, creatinine, CK and glucose (p < 0.05). Finally, the group x match interaction revealed significant differences in serum concentrations of sodium and chloride (p < 0.05). In conclusion, high-level padel matches provoke several changes in biochemical parameters related to muscle damage and protein catabolism. Recovery and fluid intake strategies could be added regarding gender. The results obtained could be due to the differences in the intensity and volume of the simulated competition.

Effects of Padel Competition on Brain Health-Related Myokines

“…However, RPT did not show any differences between groups. While these sex-related effects were in accordance with the findings of a very recent study [ 4 ], they were contrary to those reported by Torres-Luque et al [ 24 ], who found higher TPT and RPT in female players. In any case, TPT in our study was established approximately between 55 and 80 min, which is in line with these previous reports.…”

“…Our results are similar to those previously described by Castillo-Rodriguez et al [ 1 ], who reported a HR mean equivalent to 77% of HR max during padel competition. Only one previous study [ 4 ] has considered the impact of padel practice on the hemodynamic variables that could modulate other physiological and/or biochemical responses in padel players. Accordingly, it seems necessary to check PV changes associated with intense outdoor exercise, especially if athletes need to hydrate to replace the water lost through sweating and to maintain an adequate thermoregulation.…”

“…To our knowledge, only one very recent study has been aimed at analyzing the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters induced by competitive padel practice. As can be observed, high-level padel competition provokes a significant increase in muscle damage biomarkers (e.g., creatine kinase) as well as remarkable decreases in blood electrolytes concentrations [ 4 ]. Nevertheless, apart from these intensity-related effects it would be necessary to conduct studies focused on determining the stimulating effects of competitive padel practice on different health-related benefits through specific biomarkers.…”

Gender Differences in Neuromuscular, Haematological and Urinary Responses during Padel Matches

“…Regarding its game dynamics, during rallies, padel combines short, highly intensive actions (0.7–1.5 s) and other longer, less intensive actions (9–15 s), which are alternated with pauses and rests between points that normally last 10–20 s [ 7 ]. Padel is characterized by being an intermittent sport that is predominantly aerobic and one that includes short high-intense and very high-intense game actions, during which the phosphagen system prevails (ATP-PCr) [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Indeed, low-intensity and rest periods occupy around 60% of playing time [ 11 ].…”

“…During a padel match, players have to perform rapid movements and constantly change direction in very short times. This means that strength, agility, and speed are important physical qualities to play this sport [ 10 ]. Compared to other racket sports, padel’s characteristics have drawn more researchers’ interest in recent years [ 4 , 10 , 12 , 13 ].…”