Yau, C. Y. (1999). The effects of a five-day competition on the blood biochemistry of young male athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 118.

Male (N = 17) college tennis and table tennis players were studied before, during, and after a five-day sports competition.

Most blood and urine factors showed changes ranging from 0% - 36%, but all remained within a normal range. Post-competition cortisol, dopamine, IgA, and IgG dropped significantly, and calcium and A/G ratio values increased significantly when compared to precompetition levels.

Implication. Some biochemical factors change during extended competitions, but do not affect short-term health.

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