Cytokine response to resistance training sessions performed after different recovery intervals

Purpose This study aimed to compare the inflammatory response during resistance training (RT) sessions performed after recovery intervals of 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Methods Thirteen resistance-trained male individuals (24 +/- 2 years) performed three experimental conditions, each one including two sessions with a recovery interval of 24 h, 48 h or 72 h, in a randomized order. The RT sessions consisted of five sets of 8-10 repetition maximum (RM) on squat and leg press exercises. The resistance was equal in the two sessions of each condition and repetitions were performed until concentric failure. Volume load (repetitions x resistance lifted) were compared between sessions. Blood was collected pre and immediately post each RT session, for analyses of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-17, TNF-alpha, and IFN-y. A (2 x 3) repeated measures ANOVA compared the volume load and ratio (immediately post/pre) values of all cytokines within time and conditions (alpha = 0.05). Results A significant interaction was observed for volume load, which was reduced at post-recovery interval compared to pre for 24 h condition (p = 0.014), although no differences were observed for 48 h (p = 0.231) and 72 h (p = 0.237) conditions. No significant interaction was evident for any cytokine (p > 0.05), though a significant time main effect was observed for IL-6, which was significantly higher at post-recovery interval compared to pre for all conditions. Conclusion Despite reduced volume load when a resistance protocol to failure is performed at 24 h, no significant differences were observed on the inflammatory responses. Thus, a similar inflammatory profile is evident in trained men regardless recovery interval between resistance training sessions.