Physiological responses of macro-elements to maximal aerobic exercise among elite women and men field hockey players

Abstract

Purpose: This research attempts to find out the changes in the calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and chlorine levels among elite men and women field hockey players before maximal aerobic training, immediately after training and one hour after training and to compare serum macro-element concentrations by gender. Method: Blood samples belonging to 18 men and 13 women field hockey players (mean age 19,7) were taken before training, immediately after training and one hour after training. Macro-elements were determined using plasma emission spectroscopy methods. Results: Calcium level among men players decreased one hour after training, yet there was no difference among females. Magnesium level dropped one hour after training among both men and women players. Potassium level reduced among men and women players very soon after training; however one hour later it reached the former level before training among women players and a higher level than the level before training among males. Regarding sodium and chlorine levels, there was no statistically significant difference among both genders. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Conclusion: It is thought that decreased levels of magnesium among men and women players resulted from the supplementing of erythrocytes with magnesium to use during exercise and from the urinary excretion. It is predicted that there was a decline in the level of parathyroid hormone so in calcium level after moderate-intensity exercise among men players. The reason why potassium level dropped very soon after training among both genders was not found out. Chlorine concentrations among women players were found higher compared to males during three measurement periods.