Why would an active person need a tests package?
There’s a number of reasons. First – it is good to know your current health parameters, so as not to burden the body if it is not ready for the challenges of training. Moreover, test results will allow you to consciously plan your training routine and work to make up for the deficiencies. The tests will also help answer some questions: why the worse mood? Why doesn’t exercise produce the desired results? Which workouts should be avoided and which will be perfectly safe? In the tests performed, it is worth considering the functioning of the entire body, so we examine both the nervous system (through MRI or CT scans), digestive, respiratory and endocrine systems. Beforehand, it is best to consult a doctor who will assess where to start and possibly issue referrals to other specialists. The starting point, however, will be to perform blood tests.
Blood tests – basic
A complete blood count will help assess haemoglobin, haematocrit, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc and CK (creatine kinase) levels. In addition, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid and ferritin levels should also be tested.
Why is it so important? [1] Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can result in reduced performance, poorer results and even a greater propensity for injury. A great example would be vitamin D deficiency, which in physically active people can cause the risk of osteomalacia (bone disease) and osteoporosis. It will be equally important to test for iron, as iron deficiencies can reduce endurance and increase the amount of energy the body uses during training.
- Do these tests: complete blood count, CRP, vitamin B12, D, iron, ferritin.
Hormone tests for active people
Hormones that are definitely worth testing include TSH and FT4 (i.e. thyroid), testosterone and cortisol. In the case of the latter two, it will be possible to assess whether a person is overtraining, which manifests itself, for example, through a decrease in muscle mass or body fat (which is not the intended goal), sleep problems, feelings of fatigue, and more frequent viral infections.
People who train frequently and ambitiously can also become overstrained, which manifests itself in a decline in shape and sometimes injury. It is precisely such heavy and gruelling workouts that can cause testosterone problems, and also increase cortisol levels [2], which is called the stress hormone. If elevated cortisol persists for an extended period of time, the body will react, for example, with a decline in shape, problems with recovery – sleep disturbances, depressive states, weakened immunity and, in women, a disruption of the menstrual cycle.
It will be especially important to examine the thyroid gland, because its diseases often result in lower energy, weight gain, and constant fatigue. This will negatively affect training and motivation to practice sports regularly.
- Do these tests: TSH, FT3, FT4, cortisol.
Learn more about how physical activity affects hormones HERE.
Liver and blood sugar level
These tests will include insulin, glucose, hemoglobin and liver tests. When the metabolism of lipids and sugars is disturbed, glucose and insulin levels begin to have inappropriate parameters – and this is a simple path to diabetes. Having the test results, it is worthwhile to schedule workouts accordingly, because physical activity can support the fight against this disease or prevent its occurrence.
- Do these tests: insulin, glucose, liver tests (ALT, AST, ALP, BIL, GGTP).
Heart tests for athletes
Heart diseases can attack suddenly, as they do not always produce symptoms. They affect people who enjoy good health and are physically active – which is why periodic examinations are so important to detect possible abnormalities [3]. These include: ECG, heart echo and blood pressure measurement. It’s also a good idea to perform a test called a lipid panel, which quantifies the fractions of cholesterol and triglycerides. This test, in turn, will help diagnose or rule out cardiovascular diseases.
- Do these tests: lipid panel (CHOL, HDL, non-HDL, LDL, TG), creatinine.
Read more about the physical activities your heart will love HERE.
Spirometry
This test should be performed in people who are suspected of having bronchial asthma, cough frequently and face recurrent infections or have wheezing. The results will help assess how to arrange a training plan to effectively support the body in the fight against asthma, for example.
- You can perform the spirometry test at the clinic after getting a referral from your family doctor.
Kidney and electrolyte tests
Why are they so important? The kidneys are responsible for the body’s water levels and the production of red blood cells and hormones involved in monitoring blood pressure. Efficient kidneys will also control the balance of electrolytes, which help maintain fluid balance during muscle contractions. This, in turn, makes training more effective and reduces the risk of muscle injuries and trauma. Besides, the electrolytes themselves affect the brain, heart and other organs.
- Do these tests: electrolytes (Na, K), uric acid.
You can find 4 recipes for isotonic drinks that hydrate better than water HERE.
What should prevention look like when it comes to tests for active people?
A basic blood test should be performed at least once a year.
People who start training in earnest, and therefore include sports in their weekly schedule, can confidently do all the tests we wrote about in this article. It’s worth knowing that many clinics offer special “sports examination packages”, but the easiest way is to go to your internist and report that you want to get thoroughly examined and assessed for your health as part of your physical activity. List disciplines and activities which may be an indication to consult other specialists as well. For example, a person who has started running and wants to advance in the sport may visit an orthopaedist. Especially if they feel any discomfort during or after training.
People who have been diagnosed with medical conditions or chronic diseases (for example high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes) should visit the doctor more often – once every six months. Not only to monitor health. Sometimes physical activity makes it possible to reduce or modify the dose of medication.
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References:
1. de la Puente Yagüe, Mirian, Luis Collado Yurrita, Maria J. Ciudad Cabañas, and Marioa A. Cuadrado Cenzual. 2020. "Role of Vitamin D in Athletes and Their Performance: Current Concepts and New Trends" Nutrients 12, no. 2: 579. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12020579.
2. N. Musiała, I. Hołyńska-Iwan, D. Olszewska-Słonina; Journal of Laboratory Diagnostics: “Kortyzol – nadzór nad ustrojem w fizjologii i stresie”; 2018.
3. Sudden cardiac death in athletes: how useful is cardiac screening?, Diagnose & Treatby Andrew Hamilton, https://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/diagnose--treat/sudden-cardiac-death-in-athletes-how-useful-is-cardiac-screening, dostęp online: 03.04.2023.