L. Cavas¹, C. Kandemir-Cavas², K. Yurdakoc¹

Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, ¹Department of Chemistry-Biochemistry, ²Department of Statistics, Izmir / TURKEY

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the changes in the six vital electrolytes (Ca, P, Na, K, Cl, and Mg) before and after Underwater Rugby (UWR) in the both female and male UWR players. The changes in all electrolytes showed similar fluctuation in both female and male UWR players during the study. The calcium, magnesium, chloride and potassium levels showed a minimum at the post-5 min of the exercise. On the other hand, the natrium and phosphorus levels showed a maximum at the post-5 min. While the calcium and magnesium levels in both female and male UWR players at the post–5 min decreased under the normal limits, the phosphorus levels in both female and UWR male players and the natrium levels in just female UWR players exceeded the normal limits. The changes related to other electrolytes were within the normal limits. UWR may cause mild hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia and did not affect the other electrolytes levels in both female and male UWR players after UWR. The multimineral complex may not be suggested for UWR players who have rich diets; however, players who have poor diets, especially those maintaining low body weights, should consider a multivitamin.

Democritus University of Thrace, 20 May 2005, Komotini-GREECE

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