Investigation of the Effects of Volleyball Training on Athletes' Liver Enzymes and Muscle Damage Markers

Aims: It is seen that regular exercises cause physiological changes in the organism. The effects of such a training are not known especially on liver enzymes and muscle damages. In this regard, this study aimed to determine the effects of long-term volleyball training on athletes’ indicators of liver enzymes and muscle damages.

Methodology: 20 male volunteer athletes in volleyball branch participated in the study. In the study, a 12-week training program was applied to the athletes four days a week, and one day intended for conditioning training in each week. Blood samples were received from the athletes for two times when they were resting that was before and at the end of the training. Indicators of liver enzymes and muscle damages of athletes were determined in these blood samples received. The data obtained in this study were analysed by SPSS 22 package program. Paired Samples t-test was used in the comparison of pre-post test data of the study group. Significance level was accepted to be p<0,05.

Results: After the data evaluated, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the pre and post-test results of muscle damage indicators and CK (Creatine Kinase) and CK-MB (Creatine Kinase-MB) values of the athletes participating in the study (p<0,05). Considering the pre and post-test results of the athletes’ liver enzymes, a statistically significant difference was found to be at LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase), AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and ALP (Alanine aminotransferase) levels (p<0,05) while there was no statistically significant difference at GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase) levels.

Conclusion: As a result, regular volleyball training was determined to cause changes in the athletes’ indicators of liver enzymes and muscle damages. Considering the physiological changes caused by the training programs to be applied, it is thought that the performances of the athletes will be positively affected.