Journal of Exercise Physiology in Special Populations

Metabolic profile changes following individual and endurance sports: A systematic review

Document Type : Review article

Authors

1 of Human science and Sport Science, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Gonbad Kavoss, Iran

2 Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University,Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 25 peer-reviewed studies were included, all of which investigated metabolomic alterations in humans and reported metabolite concentrations prior to and within 24 hours following endurance exercise. Data sources comprised studies assessing multiple biological fluids—namely blood, saliva, urine, and sweat—providing a comprehensive overview of systemic metabolic responses to endurance exercise.
Findings:
The collective evidence consistently demonstrated substantial exercise-induced modulations in the human metabolome. More than 100 metabolites, predominantly linked to energy-yielding pathways involving lipids, fats, and carbohydrates, exhibited significant post-exercise elevations, in several cases exceeding a twofold increase within a few hours of activity. Notably, these perturbations were largely transient, with concentrations generally reverting to baseline within approximately 24 hours of recovery. Such findings underscore both the acute and reversible nature of metabolic adaptations elicited by endurance exercise.


The reviewed literature confirms that competitive endurance exercise elicits continuous and dynamic modifications in metabolite concentrations, particularly those associated with energy metabolism and related pathways.

Keywords

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Journal of Exercise Physiology in Special Populations
Volume 3, Issue 1
April 2026
Pages 1-25