effects of a single session of aerobic activity and sauna on serum aldostrone concentration: a comparison

ABSTRACT

Aldostrone is the most physiologically important mineralocorticoid released from the adrenal cortex. The basic function of this hormone is increasing sodium and chloride reabsorption and potassium secretion in the distal tubules of the kidneys and the secretional ducts of sweat glands. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of one session aerobic activity and sauna on serum aldostrone hormone concentration. Subjects were 15 football players of Shaheed Beheshti University, who had had at least 3 weekly sessions of physical activity regularly for 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after aerobic activity and sauna. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for statistical description, and dependent t-test for inferential analysis of data. The subject's vo2max mean was 47 +/- 4.41ml/Kg/min which is considered average. The results showed that a single session of physical activity significantly increased serum aldostrone concentration [p<0.05]. A single session in the sauna also was significantly increased serum aldostrone concentration [p<0.05]. However, there was no meaningful difference between variations of serum aldostrone concentration following aerobic activity and sauna [p>0.05]. Aldostrone concentration increased, with training and repeated heat exposure