influence of physical activity on selected biochemical parameters - what do physically active people know about it?

Introduction and purpose. Physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, and the far-reaching benefits of practising it are invaluable. Raising awareness in this regard seems to be a key element in the prevention of civilization diseases. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of amateur athletes about the influence of physical effort on changes in selected biochemical parameters. Material and methods. In the study that was conducted using the questionnaire method and electronically using the proprietary form, one hundred physically active people participated. The survey consisted of single-choice and multiple-choice questions as well as open-ended questions. It collected information on (1) demographic and social characteristics, (2) anthropometric measurements, (3) type and duration of physical activity, (4) frequency and time of the training, (5) existing diseases and (6) knowledge about glucose, insulin, lipid profile, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase. The key questions concerned the influence of physical activity on the studied biochemical parameters. Results. The vast majority of respondents revealed a good knowledge of insulin and insulin resistance, carbohydrate metabolism and creatine kinase. The average results of correct answers amounted to 90%, 79% and 71%. The knowledge of the issues related to the lipid profile, and both ALT and AST was slightly worse. Here the distribution of the proper answers was respectively 62% and 60%. Conclusions. Properly conducted education on the influence of physical activity on selected biochemical parameters could be the best solution to broaden the knowledge on this subject.