ZIBERI, Egzona and MURSELI, Ladon (2026) FROM METABOLIC STRESS TO OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: THE ROLE OF BIOMARKERS IN MONITORING SPORTS OVERTRAINING. In: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “FROM RESEARCH TO APPLICATION”, 20 May, 2026.
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Abstract
Introduction: Sports overtraining represents a complex neuro-endocrino-metabolic condition that develops when the balance between training stress and the body’s recovery capacity is persistently disrupted. In this state, marked alterations in biochemical homeostasis occur, including disturbances in energy metabolism, increased catabolic processes, and imbalance in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. At the cellular and molecular level, overtraining is associated with increased markers of muscle damage such as creatine kinase (CK), elevated cortisol as a response to physiological stress, and reduced anabolic hormones such as testosterone, reflecting a shift toward a catabolic state. In parallel, activation of systemic inflammatory processes is observed, reflected among others by an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP), an important marker of acute and chronic inflammation related to prolonged physical stress. Additionally, changes in oxidative processes may be observed, contributing to chronic fatigue and reduced adaptive capacity of the organism. In this context, biochemical biomarkers represent objective and measurable tools for assessing the athlete’s physiological status, enabling early identification of metabolic imbalances before they become clinically evident. The integration of these laboratory parameters with functional performance assessment provides a more accurate approach to monitoring training load and preventing overtraining. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the role of creatine kinase (CK), cortisol, testosterone, and CRP in monitoring metabolic stress and preventing overtraining in active athletes. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 patients (15 active athletes and 15 non-athletes). Anamnestic data were collected (BMI, training frequency, injury history, sleep quality, and fatigue). Laboratory analyses were performed for CK, cortisol, testosterone, and CRP, and the testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C) was evaluated. Biochemical analyses (CK, cortisol, CRP) were conducted using the Selectra Mach 5, based on enzymatic and spectrophotometric methods. Testosterone was determined using the YHLO iFlash 1200, employing the CLIA method. Samples consisted of serum obtained from venous blood, and analyses were performed with internal quality control. The T/C ratio was calculated from the obtained values. Results: It is expected that athletes with high training load will show increased CK, cortisol, and CRP levels, decreased testosterone, and a reduced T/C ratio, accompanied by decreased performance and increased subjective fatigue. Conclusion: Biochemical biomarkers represent valuable tools for monitoring physiological stress and may contribute to the prevention of overtraining and the optimization of sports performance.
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Q Science > Q Science (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Sep 2026 11:45 |
| Last Modified: | 10 Sep 2026 11:45 |
| URI: | http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/2385 |
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