The effect of rugby training on indirect markers of gut permeability and gut damage in academy level rugby players

Abstract

Purpose To assess indirect markers of intestinal endothelial cell damage and permeability in academy rugby players in response to rugby training at the beginning and end of preseason. Methods Blood and urinary measures (intestinal fatty acid binding protein and lactulose:rhamnose) as measures of gastrointestinal cell damage and permeability were taken at rest and after a standardised collision-based rugby training session in 19 elite male academy rugby players (age: 20 ± 1 years, backs: 89.3 ± 8.4 kg; forwards: 111.8 ± 7.6 kg) at the start of preseason. A subsample (n = 5) repeated the protocol after six weeks of preseason training. Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS; range of thirteen standard symptoms), aerobic capacity (30–15 intermittent fitness test), and strength (1 repetition maximum) were also measured. Results Following the rugby training session at the start of preseason, there was an increase (median; interquartile range) in intestinal fatty acid binding protein (2140; 1260–2730 to 3245; 1985–5143 pg/ml, p = 0.003) and lactulose:rhamnose (0.31; 0.26–0.34 to 0.97; 0.82–1.07, p < 0.001). After six weeks of preseason training players physical qualities improved, and the same trends in blood and urinary measures were observed within the subsample. Overall, the frequency and severity of GIS were low and not correlated to markers of endothelial damage. Conclusions Rugby training resulted in increased intestinal endothelial cell damage and permeability compared to rest. A similar magnitude of effect was observed after six weeks of pre-season training. This was not related to the experience of GIS.

Influence of the 2000-m ergometer test on indirect markers of intestinal injury in competitive elite rowers in different training phases

“…The exercise protocol test lasted 45 min and the gastrointestinal permeability markers tended to be lower after sports preparation, similarly to our results (but our test only lasted around 6 min) [ 14 ]. Chantler et al [ 14 ] suggested that improved aerobic fitness may decrease the level of splanchnic hypoperfusion. We found that for Test II, the athletes finished the exercise test in a shorter time and achieved higher power (the change did not reach significance, but at the competitive elite level of sports performance, even 1 s makes a huge difference that might change the place in the ranking).…”

“…There are a few studies that have followed changes in gut permeability and injury markers in competitive elite athletes. Chantler et al [ 14 ] observed elite rugby players (n = 19) during 6 weeks of preseason training. The exercise protocol test lasted 45 min and the gastrointestinal permeability markers tended to be lower after sports preparation, similarly to our results (but our test only lasted around 6 min) [ 14 ].…”

“…Chantler et al [ 14 ] observed elite rugby players (n = 19) during 6 weeks of preseason training. The exercise protocol test lasted 45 min and the gastrointestinal permeability markers tended to be lower after sports preparation, similarly to our results (but our test only lasted around 6 min) [ 14 ]. Chantler et al [ 14 ] suggested that improved aerobic fitness may decrease the level of splanchnic hypoperfusion.…”

How intense exercise performed in two different training phases affects elite rowers' intestinal permeability

“…Chantler et al (2022) observed elite rugby players (N = 19) during six weeks of preseason training, and the GI permeability markers tended to lower immediately after the exercise test con rming our outcomes (12). Also, Chantler et al (2022) suggested that improved aerobic tness may decrease the level of splanchnic hypoperfusion (10). Results of our study have shown that in Test II athletes not only nished the exercise test in a shorter time but also achieved higher power which shows an improvement in exercise ability, proving that the aerobic capacity may in uence gut permeability.…”