Abstract:
Health-testing examination data of 91 male and 54 female athletes were studied, together
with age-matched controls, on serum biochemistry, ECG findings, hematology, and some
data on gynecological physiology. Analysis of serum biochemical values revealed statistically
significant differences in 14 of 18 routine test items as compared with the age-matched
controls. In ECG findings, the combination of bradycardia and left ventricular hypertrophy
was most frequently found in male athletes, whereas that of bradycardia and sinus
arrythmia was observed predominantly in female athletes. The incidence of anemia and
menstrual dysfunction was higher in female athletes than in controls, especially in
the basketball team. In the same team, a high rate of deviant ECG records and a different
distribution of the age at menarche were also observed.
Key-words
Health Testing - Athletes - Biochemistry - ECG - Menarche