Abstract

This study aimed at determining the effect of five-day competitions on some blood electrolyte, values of male handball players. 12 male handball players voluntarily participated into the study. After briefing the handball players concerning the test to be conducted, physical measurements including age, body height, body weight, body-mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) were taken from the players before and after the competitions. In order to determine their level of blood electrolytes, 5 ml blood samples were taken before (BC) and after the competition (AC) in line with hygiene rules from the forearm ante-cubital area into yellow-tap tubes with gels and analyzed in the central laboratory by using auto-analyzer for calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, iron, iron binding capacity, creatine and urea levels. Measurement results were presented as averages and standard deviation. Student t-test for dependant samples was used in order to make a comparison between BC and AC values. In the outcome of the study, the change in BC and AC body weight, BMI, BFP and calcium values was found to be significant (p<0.01) whereas the changes in magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, iron and iron binding capacity values were insignificant (p>0.05). As a conclusion, findings show that acute competition exercises do not have any effect on blood electrolyte levels.

Key words: Handball players, competition, blood electrolytes.