Enhancement of Stress Resistance in Elite Rhythmic Gymnasts
Khavinson V.H., Kuznik B.I., Tarkhanov V.I.
Russian Olympic Committee Medical Center
Abstract
Elite rhythmic gymnastics requires extreme physical precision under immense psychological pressure. Overtraining syndrome, characterized by immune suppression, hormonal imbalance, and increased injury risk, is a critical concern during pre-Olympic training. This interventional study evaluated the efficacy of peptide bioregulators (Epithalamin and Vilon) administered during the 12-week pre-competition training camp for the Athens 2004 Olympics. Athletes in the treatment group received intramuscular injections of Epithalamin (10mg daily for 10 days) followed by sublingual Vilon (1mg daily for 20 days). Compared to a control group receiving standard vitamin supplementation, the peptide group demonstrated a 2.4-fold reduction in acute respiratory viral infections, faster recovery of muscle fatigue markers (CK, LDH), and maintenance of optimal cortisol/testosterone ratios despite intensive training loads. The team achieved Gold Medal status, which medical staff attributed to superior health resilience.
Study Population
Elite female rhythmic gymnasts (age 18-24 years) from Russian National Team
Introduction
Elite rhythmic gymnastics requires extreme physical precision and endures immense psychological pressure. "Overtraining syndrome" is a common risk, leading to immune suppression and injury.
Protocol
The athletes were administered Epithalamin and Vilon (a synthetic thymic dipeptide) during the pre-competition training camp.
Key Observations
Morbidity
The incidence of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) decreased by 2.4 times compared to the control group.
Recovery
Biochemical markers of muscle fatigue (Creatine Kinase, LDH) returned to baseline faster after intense sessions.
Hormonal Balance
The cortisol/testosterone ratio, a key marker of anabolic/catabolic balance, remained optimal despite the stress load.
Outcome
The team successfully competed at the Athens Olympics, winning the Gold Medal. The medical staff attributed the team's exceptional health status directly to the bioregulator protocol.
Statistical Results
Incidence of ARVI: peptide group 8.3% vs. control 20.5% (RR=0.41, p=0.03). Mean recovery time for CK elevation: 18.2 ± 4.1 hours vs. 36.7 ± 8.9 hours (p < 0.01). Cortisol/testosterone ratio maintained at 0.45 ± 0.08 in peptide group vs. 0.89 ± 0.21 in controls (p < 0.001).
Study Limitations
- •Small sample size
- •Non-blinded study design
- •Single sport/gender population limits generalizability
- •Published as internal report, not peer-reviewed in international journal
Key Findings
- ✓Reduced incidence of acute respiratory viral infections by 2.4 times
- ✓Accelerated recovery of muscle tissue markers
- ✓Maintained optimal cortisol/testosterone ratios
- ✓Team achieved Gold Medals
Mechanism of Action
Restoration of gene expression in neuroendocrine and immune cells. Epithalamin normalized the HPA axis response to stress.