The rating of perceived exertion is able to differentiate the post-matches metabolomic profile of elite U-20 soccer players.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the metabolic impact of elite Brazilian U-20 players using the rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE) to discriminate metabolomics sensitivity post-two soccer games separated by a short recovery interval.

Methods: Urine was collected immediately and then 20 h after two soccer matches of elite Brazilian U-20 players. RPE was collected after games. The spectra were pre-processed using TopSpin3.2 software. Chenomxsoftware was used to identify metabolites in the urine through the available database.

Results: The results showed that the metabolic pathways related to energy production, cellular damage, and organic stresses were changed immediately after the game. 20 h after the games, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways related to cell recovery were identified (e.g., gallic acid, ascorbate, and betaine). The matrix of positive correlations between metabolites was more predominant and stronger after game 2 than game 1. T-distribution registered metabolites discriminated below and above 7 on the RPE scale. Athletes with higher RPE values showed a high metabolite profile related to muscle damage (e.g., creatine, creatinine, and glycine) and energy production (e.g., creatine, formate, pyruvate, 1,3 dihydroxyacetone) 20 h post-soccer match. There was a different metabolic profile between athletes with higher and lower RPE values.

Conclusion: Metabolomics analysis made it possible to observe the metabolic impacts of energy production and muscular damage. RPE identified internal load changes within the group as a result of match intensity in soccer. The correlation matrix indicated a greater predominance of positive and strong correlations between metabolites in the second game compared to the first game.