Serum Metabolomics Reveals Metabolic Changes in Freestyle Wrestlers During Different Training Stages

<b>Objectives</b>: This study aimed to analyze metabolites changes in elite freestyle wrestlers during three specific training phases-pre-training, peak training, and recovery adjustment-through serum metabolomics analyses and biochemical indicator testing, providing preliminary insights for selecting effective functional assessment metrics. <b>Methods</b>: Five male wrestlers (20.40 ± 2.07 years) and five female wrestlers (19.60 ± 0.55 years) were enrolled. Morning fasting venous blood samples were collected before training, at peak training intensity, and after training adjustment and recovery. Serum metabolomic analyses using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy and assessment of biochemical indicators were performed. <b>Results</b>: The metabolomic analysis identified six significantly altered serum biomarkers in male wrestlers and three in females across different training phases. These differential metabolites are primarily implicated in the regulation of energy and amino acid metabolism pathways. Additionally, significant alterations in conventional biochemical indices were observed. <b>Conclusions</b>: Metabolomic markers provide a more accurate and comprehensive reflection of metabolic characteristics in freestyle wrestlers, offering a promising complementary approach to traditional biochemical assessments for monitoring physiological states.