Article

The purpose of this study was to
determine the effects of long and intensive exercise on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and
tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in athletes with cervical spinal cord
injuries (CSCI). SETTING: The 30th Oita International Wheelchair Marathon Race.
METHODS: Blood samples from six athletes with CSCI and eight athletes with
thoracic and lumber spinal cord injuries (SCI) participating in wheelchair half
marathon race were collected before the race, immediately after the race and 2 h
after the race. IL-6, TNF-alpha, adrenaline and blood cell counts were measured.
RESULTS: Monocyte count remained stable throughout the study in the CSCI group
but was significantly high at 2 h after the race in the SCI group. Plasma IL-6
concentrations were significantly elevated immediately after the race in both
groups, although the levels in CSCI were significantly lower than in the SCI
group. Plasma adrenaline was significantly elevated immediately after the race in
the SCI group but recovered at 2 h after the race. In contrast, plasma adrenaline
did not change in the CSCI group throughout the study and was significantly lower
than in the SCI group. Plasma TNF-alpha did not change throughout the study in
the SCI group compared with a significant decrease at 2 h after the race in the
CSCI group. CONCLUSION: Long and intensive exercise increased IL-6 in the CSCI
group despite the small muscle mass and lack of sympathetic nervous system. The
post-race fall in plasma TNF-alpha in the CSCI group could be related to the
inhibitory effect of rising IL-6 in the presence of normal monocyte count and
stable adrenaline level.

Langue : ANGLAIS