The Effects of a Single Bout of Plyometric Exercise on Anabolic and Catabolic Osteokines in Girls and Adolescents

Abstract

It is well established that dynamic mechanical loading is both beneficial and necessary to the promotion and development of healthy bones. The aim of this study is to determine the response of osteokines related to the anabolic Wnt signalling pathway [sclerostin and dickkopf 1 (DKK-1)] and the catabolic RANKL pathway, [osteoprotogerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL)], as well as the related transforming growth factors (TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3) to an acute bout of plyometric exercise in girls and adolescent females. Twenty six females, 14 girls (10.5 ± 0.4 years of age) and 12 adolescents (15.0 ± 0.3 years of age) were recruited to participate in this study. Serum samples were collected pre, 5 min post, 1 hour post and 24 h post exercise. Group differences were seen at baseline in DKK-1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 with girls having significantly higher concentrations than the adolescents. A significant decrease was found after 24 hours in DKK-1. A significant decrease was also found in RANKL at 5 minutes post exercise that remained suppressed 1 hour and 24 hours following the cessation of the exercise protocol in both groups. Plyometric exercise was therefore successful in suppressing the catabolic osteokines DKK-1 and RANKL up to 24 hours following the cessation of exercise in girls and adolescent females.