Molecular and Physiological Adaptations to Seasonal Training in Elite U18 Ice Hockey Players.

ABSTRACT: Monitoring adolescent team-sport athletes may benefit from combining performance and molecular markers, but empirical evidence supporting this approach in youth team sports remains limited.

Objective

Our study investigated molecular and physiological adaptations to seasonal training in elite U18 ice hockey players, focusing on aerobic capacity, salivary cortisol, serum irisin, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) dynamics.

Methods

National-level U18 players were enrolled in our study (n = 23 for cross-sectional analysis, n = 12 longitudinal) during the pre- and early-competition season. Aerobic performance was assessed via graded treadmill VO₂max testing, and the biochemical markers quantified using ELISA-based assays.

Results

From pre- to early-season (p

SUBMITTER: Czont A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12944270 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature