AEROBIC ADAPTATION AND BIOMARKER RESPONSES IN COMBAT ATHLETES

This randomized controlled study investigates the effects of sport-specific training on aerobic adaptation and circulating biomarker responses in trained combat athletes. Exercise induces systemic physiological adaptations through signaling molecules known as exerkines, including myokines and adipokines, which mediate communication between skeletal muscle and other metabolic organs. Forty trained male kickboxers are randomly assigned to either an experimental training group or a control group. The experimental group performs an eight-week sport-specific conditioning program in addition to regular technical training, while the control group maintains their usual training routine. Aerobic capacity is assessed using maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). Blood samples are collected before and after the intervention to determine circulating levels of exercise-responsive biomarkers, including myostatin, irisin, apelin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21), and adiponectin. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate whether changes in circulating biomarker responses are associated with improvements in aerobic performance. The findings may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced physiological adaptation in combat athletes.