AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
- OxiDx test shows potential to identify muscle damage and assess recovery in elite marathon runners.
- Study highlights the need for personalized recovery monitoring in high-performance sports.
- The OxiDx test is set for Australian launch in H1 2025.
Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (ASX:PIQ) has announced groundbreaking results from its subsidiary OxiDx Pty Ltd, showcasing the ability of its OxiDx test to identify muscle damage and monitor recovery in elite marathon runners. This pioneering study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Physiological Reports, addresses a major gap in sports science by providing sensitive biomarkers for exercise-induced muscle damage, a common issue in both professional athletes and animals, such as racehorses.
A Game-Changer for Sports Medicine
Muscle injuries are the most frequent cause of incapacity in professional sports, accounting for up to 55% of all injuries, with similar statistics in the horse racing industry. In 2023, Australia spent $1.2 billion on treating sports injuries that could have been avoided. Dr. Richard Lipscombe, Managing Director of Proteomics International, emphasized the potential impact of the OxiDx test: “These results could literally be a game changer for sports medicine. They have implications for all high-performance athletes, from footballers to horse racing. If we can detect unseen muscle damage, athletes can adjust their training regimes to avoid more serious injury.”
Study Results and Recovery Insights
The study found that marathon running caused significant muscle damage, which peaks 48 hours post-race and remains elevated for up to five days. The OxiDx test, which detects oxidative stress levels in the blood via a simple finger-prick sample, proved to be a reliable marker for muscle recovery, correlating with traditional indicators such as muscle force reduction, soreness, and elevated creatine kinase levels.
The study’s findings revealed that while the group of 20 participants generally recovered by day six, there was significant variability in individual recovery times, highlighting the need for personalized recovery monitoring. The OxiDx test offers a more sensitive and individualized approach to post-race recovery than traditional methods, providing athletes and coaches with a powerful tool to optimize recovery and performance.
Towards Commercial Launch and Market Impact
This successful study marks a major milestone in the commercialisation of the OxiDx test, which is set for an Australian launch in the first half of 2025. Proteomics International’s shares rose by 6.76%, reaching 79 cents per share, reflecting investor optimism about the test’s potential to revolutionize sports medicine and recovery monitoring.
