Prediction of physical performance through muscle enzymes activity

Physical performance deteriorates during strenuous exercise as manifested by a decrease in maximal aerobic power and increased activity of serum muscle enzymes. The relationship between these parameters was investigated in 41 trained subjects during 24 h marches and the following recovery period. Peak O₂ uptake and serum activity of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) were measured. During the marches there was a simultaneous, significant elevation in serum CPK and GOT activity and a significant reduction in peak O₂ uptake. During the early recovery period (24 h) no significant changes occurred in muscle enzyme activity and peak O₂ uptake; thereafter (up to 72 h after the end of the march), a gradual decline in enzyme activity levels with a concomitant increase in peak O₂ uptake was observed, reaching pre-march values. A "mirror image" relationship between muscle enzyme activity and peak O₂ uptake was found during three clearly distinguished phases: a) 24 h march, b) early recovery stage and c) late recovery stage. These findings suggest, that muscle enzyme leakage from muscle cells is closely related to the decline in muscular function and aerobic power. Thus, muscle enzyme activity might be a practical measure of physical performance capacity during the early and late stages of recovery from prolonged endurance exercise.