Abstract

 Background: Enzymes have been widely utilized as diagnostic tool. Their use in the assessment of stress induced by exercise need to be further evaluated. This study examined the pattern of some liver enzyme changes as well as cardiovascular changes during exercise in some students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus. Methods: Sixty apparently healthy student (30 males and 30 females aged 18- 30 years) participated in the study. The anthropometric indices were taken and their body mass index calculated from their measured height and weight. Their blood pressure and pulse rate were also taken before and after exercise on the treadmill and their physical fitness level were estimated using the Bruce protocol. Their blood samples were collected before and immediately after the exercise for laboratory analysis. Results: There was significant increase in the post-exercise values of systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, Alanineaminotransferase(ALT),spartateaminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared to the pre-exercise values in both male and female subjects. However, there was significant decrease in the post exercise values of the diastolic blood pressure in both male and female subjects compared to their pre- exercise values. Conclusion: This study showed that physical exercise increases liver enzymes. This finding could reflect the physiological changes in the normal life of the students in the stressed condition. However, this effect may be beneficial health-wise, but care need to be taken not to overdrive the changes to deleterious levels. Moreover, exercise should be taken into consideration when interpreting liver enzymes’ results.

Authors and Affiliations