COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF MODERATE LEVEL EXERCISES ON FILTRATION FUNCTION AND HEALTH OF KIDNEYS: TARGETING ON BLOOD AND UREA OF CRICKET PLAYERS

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate-level exercises on renal filtration function and kidney health indicators among young cricket players at Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. Regular physical activity is known to influence various physiological functions, including renal health, yet specific impacts on kidney function in athletes have not been extensively explored.

Methods: A total of 60 male participants were recruited from Gomal University and divided into an experimental group (n = 30) receiving a structured exercise intervention and a control group (n = 30) without intervention. Renal Function Tests (RFTs) and urinalysis were conducted to measure urea levels pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, employing paired samples t-tests and independent samples t-tests to evaluate differences between groups.

Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in post-test urea levels (M = 28.1 mg/dL, SD = 4.9) compared to pre-test levels (M = 32.5 mg/dL, SD = 5.1), with a mean difference of 4.4 mg/dL (t(29) = 5.67, p < 0.001). In contrast, the control group exhibited no significant change in urea levels (pre-test: M = 31.8 mg/dL, SD = 4.8; post-test: M = 31.7 mg/dL, SD = 5.0). Moreover, significant differences in kidney health indicators were observed between the groups post-intervention, with the experimental group showing improved outcomes (U = 320.0, z = -3.45, p = 0.001).

Conclusions: The findings indicate that moderate-level exercises positively affect renal filtration function and enhance kidney health indicators among young athletes at Gomal University. This underscores the importance of incorporating physical activity into training regimens for cricket players to promote overall health and performance.