Changes in Renal Parameters during a Training Camp among Handball Players in the Sub-Saharan Environment

Abstract

+e aim of the study was to describe the changes in kidney parameters induced by 10 days of tapering (TP) during a training camp (TC), where the players were preparing for a group competition, in 15 female handball team members of a Division 1 Amateur of Benin, in the sub-Saharan environment. Measures were taken in all the players before and after the intensive training (IT) and tapering (TP) phases in an intervention study. +e estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with the CKD-EPI 4-level race formula, the fractional excretions of sodium (FeNa) and potassium (FeK), the urine potassium-tosodium ratio (Na/K urine), and the hemoglobin rate [Hb] were determined for all participants. At the end of IT, eGFR and FeNa increased, respectively, by 22.39% (P < 0.01) and 143.85% (P < 0.01), but the variation of FeK is not significant (P > 0.05). +e number of abnormally low eGFR values (<90 mL/min/1.73m2) was reduced from 11 to 5 (P < 0.05). At the end of TP, the eGFR and urine Na-to-K ratio remained on average constant (P > 0.05) but FeNa decreased by 96.32% (P < 0.001) and FeK increased by 144.41% (P < 0.001). +e [Hb] rate increased by 9.80% (P < 0.001), and players had inadequate hydration practice. +e results suggested that in addition to its already known effects, TP preserves the positive effects of IT on glomerular function in athletes preparing for a competition that presents a major challenge.