Little is known about serum biomarkers in elite beach volleyball (BV) athletes. Aim: To investigate the profile of non-conventional and conventional biomarkers of BV-players in pre-Olympic and Olympic years to optimize the periodization process and performance of these athletes. Design: Case report or Brief Communication. Methods: This prospective and observational study included 2-adult gold-Olympic BV-players during the Pre-Olympic and Olympic Games. The investigation was performed according to the periodization of the training in `training blocks`: A) Initial adaptation (endurance training); B) accumulation of force and transition of force/power (strength training) and C) power (competitive target periods). Along the seasons, strength and power were monitored by a digital dynamometer. Additionally, blood samples were collected at 48h post-match or post-block. The non-conventional (leukocyte ROS production and apoptosis/necrosis indexes) and 48-conventional biomarkers were analyzed. Results: Both serum leukocyte •O2 - and apoptosis/necrosis indexes of BV-athletes increased in periods of intense exercise activity compared with the periods between training blocks: `restitution` (7-fold) or `pre-season` (13-fold). Among all the conventional biomarkers, the results were not consistent with the periodization of the athletes. In relation to anabolic/metabolic metabolism, IGF-1/cortisol was a better profile than the testosterone/cortisol ratio. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that non-conventional markers (leukocyte •O2 - production and apoptosis/necrosis) associated to IGF-1/cortisol ratio should be considered during the BV seasons to follow the performance of the players.
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