Abstract:
Albuminuria is presence of abnormal amounts of albumin in urine that is considered as a sign
of defective glomerular membrane. It can also benign process when present due to physical
exercise; called “exercise induced albuminuria”. Prime aim of this study was to identify the
effect of cycling and gym training on urine albumin excretion.
30 gym trainees and 12 professional cyclists were selected using proportionate stratified
random sampling and total population sampling respectively. Urine Albumin to Creatinine
Ratio (ACR) was used to assess albuminuria of both groups before and after training sessions.
Workout intensity was measured by calculations done using post training pulse rate. Hydration
level was measured using the body weight loss, water intake and the urine volume passed.
Paired t-test was used to test the effect of gym training and cycling on albuminuria. Pearson
correlation test was performed to identify the relationship of ACR difference with the intensity
of the training and sweating rate. Moreover, the relationship between the pre and post session
ACR was also assessed.
There was a significant difference between pre session urine ACR and post session ACR
for both cyclists and gym trainees (p = 0.026) (P = 0.003). There was a positive correlation
between the ACR difference and the intensity (p = 0.004, r = 0.519), (p = 0.002, r = 0.793)
for gym trainees and cyclists respectively. There was no significant relationship between the
sweating rate and the ACR difference (p = 0.366, r = -0.174), (p = 0.353, r=0.295) for gym
trainees and cyclists respectively. There was a positive relationship between pre session ACR
and post session ACR levels (p = 0.012, r = 0.462), (p = 0.000.r = 0.987) for gym trainees and
cyclists respectively. According to the albuminuria assessing criteria, gym trainees indicated a
higher elevation of post session ACR (micro albuminuria) than the cyclists (normal). Recovery
of urine albumin excretion should be tested to confirm the healthy functioning of the athletes
24–48 hours after training. That would ensure there is no negative effect of training on the renal
function.
