Ensuring that elite athletes are in peak physical condition is of the utmost importance in terms of preparation and performance. Oxidative stress is a condition in which there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body which can lead to many different pathologies, and which is also exacerbated by physical activity, often leading to the “overtraining” syndrome.
Because there are no specific symptoms of oxidative stress it is difficult to identify without routine screening and assessment, because there are no “red flags” which demand attention. It is therefore essential for sports scientists and coaches to routinely assess their athletes to ensure that they are fit and healthy and there is no need to adjust their training programme.
The Form series from Callegari assesses oxidative stress in addition to uric acid, haemoglobin and haematocrit, making it the perfect tool for sports science. The simple fingerprick blood sample, providing results in 6 minutes, ensures that the analyser will fit seamlessly into a performance management programme.
The Form series are the original and leading point of care systems for complete oxidative stress screening and monitoring. With user friendly operation, results in minutes and room temperature consumables, makes the system perfect for measuring oxidative stress in a performance management capacity.
The CR3000 analyser assesses oxidative stress by testing both the ROS (Reactive Oxygen Status) damage index (FORT test) and the antioxidant capacity (FORD test) of blood.
Physical activity increases ROS in several ways: during oxygen metabolism; as a result of the ischaemia reperfusion phenomenon; due to the oxidation of haemoglobin and during inflammation.
Continued or repetitive muscular ROS-induced fatigue associated with inadequate recovery following physical activity is believed to induce the overtraining syndrome leading to poor performance and injury.
Antioxidant enzymes including SOD, catalase and GPX are known to be increased by exercise and training, as shown in many different studies. The activity of antioxidant enzymes can reduce the severity of oxidative stress so the capacity of the body to produce them is critical for overall fitness and wellbeing.
The antioxidant system efficiency depends on nutritional intakes (vitamins and micronutrients) and on general enzyme production, which is especially important for athletes as prolonged exercise increases the risk of FR oxidation.
In simplistic terms, it is essential for sports scientists to understand the balance between the ROS and antioxidant capacity of an athlete in order to reduce the risk of injury, fatigue or even the overtraining syndrome. Changes to nutrition and training schedules can counteract oxidative stress by improving the production of antioxidants and reducing the strain on the body.
Optimising performance management in response to these measures can therefore be the difference in achieving peak physical performance.
Total Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
Glucose
Triglycerides
Haemoglobin
Erythrocytes
Hematocrit
Lactic Acid
Glycosuria
FORT (Free Oxygen Radical Test)
FORD (Free Oxygen Radical Defence)
Uric Acid
Wet chemistry application ensures accuracy.
Three assays can run simultaneously.
Testing is taken from tiny capillary blood samples (10µl).
Results are supplied in seconds to minutes.
A rapid bar code reading system automatically recognises the test.
Step-by-step instructions for running the test.
Touch-screen technology for ease of use.
Oxidative Stress and Sport Brochure
Oxidative Stress Research by Application