Changes in serum lipid profile of elite volleyball players in the competition period

Abstract

Changes in serum lipid profile of elite volleyball players in the competition period Study aim: To assess the changes in serum lipid profile of volleyball players in various phases of competition period characterised by creatine kinase activity. Material and methods: A group of 14 Polish elite volleyball players aged 23 - 34 years were examined 3 times during the competition period lasting 10 weeks. Total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, triacylglycerols (TG) and creatine kinase (CK) activity were determined in serum. Body fat content was determined from 4 skinfolds by Durnin's method. Results: Creatine kinase activity was very high throughout the study period although significantly decreased in relation to the first examination; TC, LDL, TC/HDL and LDL/HDL gradually increased while HDL decreased. Nevertheless, the values of TC, HDL, LDL and LDL/HDL were within normal limits in all subjects throughout the study. Conclusions: The changes in lipid profile may be regarded as transitory and of no significant impact on the risk of cardiovascular diseases as in all cases they were within physiological ranges.