Exercise-Induced Inflammatory Response and Skeletal Muscle Damage Markers in Nigerian Amateur Long-Distance Runners: A Pre- and Post-Race Analysis in Kaduna State

Background: Prolonged endurance exercise triggers an acute inflammatory response characterised by elevated circulating cytokines, acute phase proteins, and skeletal muscle damage markers. The magnitude and time-course of this response have been poorly characterised in African distance runners competing in tropical climatic conditions, which may amplify heat-related physiological strain. Objectives: This study seeks to measure pre-race, immediately post-race, and 24-hour post-race levels of interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase among amateur long-distance runners completing a standardised 21-kilometre race in Kaduna State. Methods: Thirty consenting male amateur runners will be recruited. Venous blood samples will be collected at three time points. Cytokines will be quantified by multiplex ELISA. Muscle damage enzymes will be measured by standard colorimetric assay. Paired repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests will compare time-point differences. Pearson correlation will assess cytokine-muscle damage relationships. Expected Outcomes: Interleukin-6 and creatine kinase are anticipated to peak immediately post-race with partial resolution at 24 hours, with training volume inversely predicting inflammatory response magnitude. Conclusion: Findings will contribute analytical exercise physiology data relevant to the conditioning of African long-distance athletes. Keywords: exercise inflammation, cytokines, muscle damage, distance runners, Kaduna.