THE EFFECTS OF A SOCCER MATCH ON CARDIAC TROPONIN I LEVELS IN MALE AMATEUR SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

Cardiac troponins are the reference markers for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes.

However, recent studies have shown that healthy professional athletes have a significant increase in

cardiac troponins after intense physical activity. Conversely, there are few studies on the evaluation

of cardiac troponins in amateur athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac troponin I in

amateur soccer players after a soccer game. For the study, 22 amateur soccer players from the

University Sports Centre of the University of Rome Tor Vergata were enrolled. The blood samples

were collected before the start of the soccer game, immediately at the finish, 3 hours and 24 hours

from the time the game ended. The data showed a significant increase of serum troponin

concentrations immediately after the game ended and after 3 hours (p <0.001) and then a return to

baseline levels after 24 hours (p <0.001). Our study demonstrated a significant increase in cardiac

troponin I in amateur soccer players, without any evidence of cardiac damage. Further studies with

more athletes will be needed to confirm these data.