ANALYSIS OF THE ACUTE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE PRODUCED DURING THE GAME OF PADEL

Abstract

There is a multitude of scientific evidence that shows that the practice of physical activity is very beneficial for health. One of its benefits is the maintenance of the immune system. Currently one of the most popular sports in Spain is padel. However, despite the significant increase in people who practice it, there is no scientific evidence to describe the effects produced by padel on the body. The objective of this study was to investigate the acute inflammatory response of a padel match. A total of 29 professional players, 15 men (28.2 ± 7.9 years) and 14 women (29.7 ± 3.7 years), participated voluntarily in the study. Different pro-inflammatory (TNFα and IL-8) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-13) were analyzed before and after a match. The results showed a decrease in IL-8 (p 0.03) and increases in IL-13 (p 0.05) in both sexes and IL-10 in men. The results obtained suggest that the practice of high-level padel induces a moderate pro-inflammatory response. The sport of padel could be considered as a sport beneficial to health.