Effects of electrial stimulation and isokinetic exercise on serum enzymes and electrolytes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of short-term electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle, isokinetic leg extension and flexion exercise, and combined electrical stimulation and isokinetic exercise on serum enzyme and electrolyte concentrations. The subjects used in the study were eleven healthy female university students, 20 to 23 years of age. The subjects reported to the laboratory once each week for three consecutive weekends. On the first weekend electrical stimulation exercises were conducted. Isokinetic exercise and combined electrical stimulation and isokinetic exercise were performed on the second and third weekends respectively. All testing was carried out in the morning between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Blood samples were obtained from an atecubtial vein Just prior to, immediately after, and five minutes after each exercise. Serum enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride and total carbon dioxide) were measured using the Abbott Laboratories VP Bichromatic Analyser and the Nova Biochemical NOVA-4 Specific Ion Electrode Analyser respectively. Minor, but statistically significant (p. < 0.05) changes in lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase occurred after exercise. No significant changes were found in creatine kinase. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were increased significantly after both electrical stimulation and isokinetic exercise. This suggested that the electrical stimulation and isokinetic exercise may stimulate bone metabolism. Small but statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes in serum sodium and total carbon dioxide occurred after the electrical stimulation and isokinetic exerise. No significant changes were noted in serum potassium and serum chloride. There was no evidence from this study, to suggest that either electrical stimulation or isokinetic exerise had detrimental effects on muscles. No other research dealing with the effects of electrical stimulation and isokinetic exercise on serum enzymes and electrolytes were available for comparison with this study.