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Exercise-induced changes in common laboratory tests
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|March 1, 1982
Summary
Heavy exercise, like a mini-marathon, significantly elevates serum markers including potassium (K+), BUN, creatinine, CK, LDH, and leukocyte counts in male runners. These post-exercise elevations are common and depend on exercise intensity and timing of tests.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Athletic performance can impact physiological markers.
- Understanding post-exercise biochemical changes is crucial for interpreting clinical tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the immediate effects of a 13-mile run on serum biochemical and hematologic parameters in male runners.
- To determine the prevalence of abnormal values post-exercise.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 23- to 47-year-old white male runners before and after a 13-mile mini-marathon.
- Nineteen serum biochemical and hematologic parameters were analyzed.
- Paired Student t-tests were used to assess significant changes.
Main Results:
- Significant increases were observed in mean values of K+, BUN, creatinine, CK, LDH, AST (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, uric acid, and leukocyte counts post-exercise.
- Post-exertional values above normal limits were frequent for CK (93%), LDH (86%), and leukocyte counts (71%).
- Elevated BUN, creatinine, and uric acid were also noted post-exercise.
Conclusions:
- Abnormally high values for several serum markers are expected in individuals after strenuous exercise.
- The extent of these abnormalities is influenced by exercise duration, intensity, and the time between exertion and testing.
- These findings are important for clinicians interpreting lab results in athletes.