LAUSR

Objective: Disorders in sports or mental stress concerning electolytes, metabolism and blood pressure values are of recent interest under the aspect of cardiovascular disease. In this context these parameters were investigated both in running and bungee sports. Design and method: At the Austrian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt, capillary blood of 20 officer trainees (run) and 34 trainees (bungee jump) has been sampled 10 minutes before and after the respiratory contest, whereby BE, magnesium ionized, lactate, blood glucose, Ca/Mg ratio (Phox-M apparatus, TECOM, Wiener Neudorf, Austria) and additionally diastolic blood pressure values (Breuer, Ulm, Germany) have been determined. All paticipants of study showed normal blood pressure values, normal kidney function and no diabetes mellitus in history. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in BE, Ca/Mg ratio in both bungee versus running (n.s.). Blood glucose increased from 127+/−3 to 146+/−14 mg/dl in the bungee group as compared to 112+/−3 to 114+/−5 mg/dl in the running group (means +/- SD)(p < 0.05). Additionally a small magnesium loss in both groups was measured (n.s. in group comparison). Diastolic blood pressure values were measured 77+/−2 before and 71+/−3 mmHg after in bungee jumpers as compared to 69+/−2 before and 102+/−2 mmHg after running sports (means+/- SD, p < 0.01) Conclusions: Diastolic blood pressure values were significantly different in both compared groups after the respiratory contest. Mental stress in bungee jumping leads to a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure values after the performance whereas in runners a significant increase in systolic blood pressure values occured (p < 0.01). In addition in both groups a decrease in ionized magnesium concentrations was noted. Carbohydrate metabolism was affected significantly due to adrenal anticipation before the bungee jump showing sigificantly increased blood glucose levels (p < 0.05). Metabolic parameters and diastolic blood pressure values are different in mental or physical excercise and sports.