Abstract

Objective: To briefly review biochemical changes that may result from prolonged strenuous exercise and to relate these changes to health risk.

Methods: Medline and Sports Discus databases were searched for relevant articles. Additional articles were found using cross referencing and the authors' knowledge of the subject area.

Results: Prolonged strenuous exercise may result in a series of biochemical changes that are of concern from a health point of view. Generally, these changes are benign, but some, especially hyponatraemia, are potentially life threatening occurrences.

Conclusion: Doctors and athletes should be aware of the potentially adverse biochemical changes, especially hyponatraemia, that may result from prolonged strenuous exercise.