Abstract

This study analyzed the acute effect of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) combat on muscle injury and oxidative stress. For this, eight highly-trained male athletes (23.7±3.3 yrs.) were analyzed before and after a 10 min bout. Blood Lactate (LAC) was measured as an indicator of combat intensity. Muscle damage markers were measured creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The levels of Total Antioxidant Capacity (CAOT), catalase activity, and protein carbonylation were measured as oxidative stress markers, p≤0.05. The main results indicated that there was a difference between pre and post values for the concentration of LAC (0.5±0.2 vs. 1.9±0.9 mmol/L; p=0.002) e CK (66.5±48.1 vs. 80.3±53.1 IU/L; p=0.027). There was no difference for the other measures (p>0.05). Catalase pre-BJJ and LDH post-BJJ had a strong and negative correlation (r=-0.751; p=0.03). CAOT and protein carbonylation post-BJJ had a positive and strong correlation (r=0.806; p=0.02). In conclusion, Brazilian jiu-jitsu tends to increase cell damage, especially when related to low pre-combat levels of protective enzymes, such as Catalase.