Biochemical changes as a result of prolonged strenuous exercise

• Published in: British journal of sports medicine Vol. 36; no. 4; pp. 301 - 303
• Main Authors: Warburton, D E R, Welsh, R C, Haykowsky, M J, Taylor, D A, Humen, D P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine 01.08.2002; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ Group
• Subjects: Adipocytes; biochemical changes; Biochemistry; Creatinine - metabolism; Exercise; Exercise - physiology; Fatty acids; Fluids; Health risk assessment; Hematology; Humans; hyponatraemia; Magnesium - metabolism; Metabolism; Plasma; Potassium; Potassium - metabolism; Short Report; Sodium - metabolism; Sports medicine; Triathlon; Urea - metabolism
• ISSN: 0306-3674; 1473-0480
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.36.4.301

Objective: To briefly review biochemical changes that may result from prolonged strenuous exercise and to relate these changes to health risk. Methods: Medline and Sports Discus databases were searched for relevant articles. Additional articles were found using cross referencing and the authors' knowledge of the subject area. Results: Prolonged strenuous exercise may result in a series of biochemical changes that are of concern from a health point of view. Generally, these changes are benign, but some, especially hyponatraemia, are potentially life threatening occurrences. Conclusion: Doctors and athletes should be aware of the potentially adverse biochemical changes, especially hyponatraemia, that may result from prolonged strenuous exercise.