Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the redox status in professional football players during a championship period consisting of two games interspersed with low-intensity training. Methods: The collection of blood and saliva began at the start of a championship tournament that followed a week without any strenuous activity after a full season of games. Six collections were performed: (1) basal; (2) post-game one (day 2); (3) 48h post-game-one (day 4); (4) post-game two (day 6); (5) 24h post-game two (day 7); and (6) 48h post-game two (day 8). Results: Damage to liver was suggested by increased levels of y-glutamyl transferase (~47%; P<0.05), but only 48h post-game two. The redox balance was also affected, since uric acid was increased (90%) post-game two for 24h (P<0.05) and the ratio of reduction to oxidized glutathione decreased after post-game one until 48h after game two (4.05±1.7 basal; 0.34±0.07 48 post-game two). In plasma, creatine kinase (CK) levels increased two-fold after the first game (79 to 216 IU/L) suggesting muscle damage and remained elevated throughout the period of the study. Conclusion: The results show a significant increase in oxidative stress during a week of professional activity spanning 2 games in professional football players suggesting that the conventional recovery period between games is not sufficient to prevent muscle and liver cells damage.
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