Effects of Alpine Ski Trainings on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Levels

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the oxidant and antioxidant levels that could be observed during a single unit slalom and giant slalom trainings routinely practiced by alpine skiers by measuring the Total Oxidant Capacity (TOC) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). 18 male athletes, aged between 18 and 29 and experienced in the international alpine ski competitions, participated voluntarily in the study. Initially, body weight, height, body mass index, and VO2max values of the volunteers were determined as required. Next, the volunteers underwent giant slalom and slalom training, lasted 2.5 hours with five days interval, on the competition slope that complies with the international standards. Venous blood samples of the volunteers were collected before and after both training applied and so TOC and TAC values were found out accordingly. While no significant change was observed in TOC values after both slalom and giant slalom applied, a significant increase was detected in TAC values (p