The effect of ibuprofen on muscle, hematological and renal function, hydric balance, pain, and performance during intense long-distance running.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prophylactic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID, i.e. Ibuprofen) on physical performance, vertical jump, muscle biomarkers, liver, kidney, acute pain and hydration status of participants in the 42 km Trail Running Challenge, a long-distance race integrated over mountain routes. The sample consisted of 20 males randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG) with 12 completing the race (41.1±8.8 y; 75.7±12.1 kg) and included in the final analysis. The EG were administered an ibuprofen capsule (400 mg) fifteen minutes before the beginning of the race, and again after 5 hours of racing if the route was not yet complete. There were significant time main effects for creatine kinase (CK) (p=0.001; f Cohen=0.25), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p<0.001; f Cohen=2.05), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p=0.002; f Cohen=1.53), creatinine (p=0.002; f Cohen=2.24), urea (p=0.001; f Cohen=2.25), heart rate (HR) (p<0.001; f Cohen=4.88) and pain scores (p<0.001; f Cohen=1.93) which all increased during the race. There was a group × time interaction for squat jump (SJ) which significantly decreased in only the CG (p= 0.045; f Cohen=2.17). This may have been related to increased frequency of pain reported after the race in the gastrocnemius of the CG compared to the EG (p<0.05). It was concluded that ibuprofen intake did not reduce muscle damage during the competition but maintained leg muscular power performance (i.e. vertical jump), possibly by reducing gastrocnemius muscle pain.