OXIDATIVE STRESS AND SPORT PERFORMANCE

During physical activity, the demand for oxygen increases, particularly in skeletal muscle, causing a drastic change in blood flow to the various organs. In addition, exercise-induced micro muscle trauma promotes infiltration of phagocytes (i.e. neutrophils and macrophages) at the injury site. These physiological changes that occur during acute exercise increase the production of free radicals, inducing oxidative damage to biomolecules. Recent molecular and biological studies have allowed the observation of events at the cellular level and have shown, in an increasingly evident way that free radicals play a role in physiological adjustments that take place after training. The increase in the rate of oxygen consumption during exercise generates greater production of reactive oxygen species, in relation to incomplete reduction of the oxygen itself. A correct physical activity program or rational muscle training generates the moderate and short-term increase in free radicals, which can activate molecular mechanisms useful for the cell to adapt and protect itself from states of oxidative stress: not only, but also to improve the immunological defenses of the organism.