Longitudinal follow-up of creatine kinase and markers of renal function in male basketball players

Abstract

The results from different sports studies regarding changes in parameters of renal function as a consequence of exercise-induced muscular damage are conflicting.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of renal function in association with the phases of the macro cycle and to establish possible relationship between indicators of muscle damage and renal function in basketball players.

Methods: Nine professional basketball players were monitored during 12 weeks starting from the first day of pre-season preparations. Blood samples were collected three times: before the pre-season, during the pre-season and during the in-season to determine blood creatine kinase (CK), creatinine and urea concentrations and to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results: The ANOVA test revealed statistically significant changes in CK and eGFR, associated with physical loads in the basketball players. However, the test did not confirm relationships between indicators of renal function and muscle damage during any phase of the macro cycle.

Conclusion: Elevated levels of CK induced by sport-specific activities are not associated with changes in renal function despite the use of frequent and intense physical loads in male professional basketball players. Further research is necessary to elucidate regularities in changes of renal function among team sport representatives.