Influence of Intense Swimming Exercise on Selected Salivary Components

Abstract

Original Research ArticlePhysical exercise may induce many changes in quantity and quality of the biochemical components of saliva. Therefore, a noninvasive sampling and testing of saliva can be used as a diagnostic method in monitoring of physical activity. Objectives of this study was comparison selected salivary components in swimmers before and after intense training. 19 subjects of both sexes, 18-24 years of age, were selected for the study, of which 10 were competitive swimmers and 9 were in the control group. Salivary samples were collected from all subjects in the morning and in the afternoon and from the swimmers before and after training. The parameters measured included: salivary flow rate, pH, total protein, alpha-amylase, peroxidase, cortisol, total antioxidant status (TAS), sialic acid (FSA, GSA, TSA), calcium and magnesium. A significant increase of salivary, alpha-amylase and GSA was noted in all swimmers after the morning workout, while after the afternoon swim training significant decrease in the salivary flow rate and cortisol, accompanied by increasing protein and alpha-amylase levels, were found. Regarding the output of salivary components, after the morning training session, a slight increase in the output was observed for all salivary parameters being investigated. However, it was statistically significant only for total protein, alpha-amylase, calcium, TSA and TAS. After the afternoon training a slight increase in the output was observed for all investigated parameters, except for cortisol which showed decreasing trend. A statistically significant increase in the output was recorded for total protein, alpha-amylase, calcium and TAS. The data suggest a significant increase in alpha-amylase levels and tendency for greater total protein concentration in saliva, following morning and afternoon swimming workout.