The Effect of Exercise on Serum Electrolyte Among Student Athletes of Madonna University

Abstract

This study evaluated The Effect of Exercise on Serum Electrolyte Among Student Athletes of Madonna University Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and they were briefed that their blood samples would be used strictly for research purposes. A total of 100 blood samples were collected, comprising 70 samples from athletes (35 male, 35 female) (test group) and 30 samples from non-athletes (15 male, 15 female) (control group). The serum was separated from whole blood through centrifugation, and electrolyte levels were determined using the Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) method. The findings showed a Statistically significant increase (p=0.013) in serum sodium concentrations across groups, with male athletes (145.07 ± 3.15 mmol/L) exhibiting higher levels compared to female non-athletes (136.53 ± 1.06 mmol/L). There was also a Statistically significant increase (p=0.000) in potassium levels, with male athletes (4.95 ± 0.24 mmol/L) showing the highest concentration and female non-athletes (3.85 ± 0.11 mmol/L) the lowest. Calcium levels were notably higher in athletes, particularly male athletes (10.97 ± 2.32 mg/dL); calcium showed a Statistically significant increase (p= 0.016) when compared to non-athletes. Similarly, there is a Statistically significant increase(p=0.007) was observed in chloride concentrations when compared across the groups, with male athletes (107.2 ± 3.08 mmol/L) recording the highest value. This study concludes that exercise significantly influences serum electrolyte concentrations, with both physical activity and gender contributing to variations. These results underscore the importance of electrolyte monitoring and nutritional regulation in athletic populations to support performance and maintain physiological balance.