The Effect of 12 Weeks of Compound Set Training on Cardiotrophin-1 and Platelet Levels and Their Relationship in Young Male Bodybuilders

Background: Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) and platelets (PLA) have an important role in heart disorders of athletes, and training is believed to affect these two parameters. Accordingly, this study investigated the effect of 12 weeks of compound set training on CT-1 and PLA and their relationship in active young males. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, subjects included 30 active male bodybuilders in Ardabil who were randomly assigned to exercise (n=15) and control (n=15) groups after matching height, weight, body mass index (BMI), maximal oxygen uptake, and one-repetition maximum (1-RM). They performed 12 weeks of compound training (three 60-minute weekly sessions), 15 seconds at each station with 40%–60% 1-RM, and a 45-second interval rest. Before and after 12 weeks, 5 mL of blood was taken from the brachial vein. In addition, serum CT-1 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and a Hyperion ELISA device. Further, serum PLA was estimated using a platelet kit. Independent and dependent t-tests were utilized to examine the difference between the means of intergroup and intragroup data. Finally, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between variables. Results: Serum CT-1 and PLA significantly increased after 12 weeks of compound set training compared to before 12 weeks of compound set training versus the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant relationship between CT-1 and PLA before and after 12 weeks of compound set training in two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Overall, 12 weeks of compound training affected CT-1 and PLA levels. Thus, coaches and athletes can consider these results to maintain health and prevent syncope and thrombosis in athletes. Moreover, they should perform compound set training with caution.