Abstract

A group of handball players was followed during the preparation phase and during 46 hours of continuous handball playing, resulting in breaking the world endurance record. The players underwent repeated medical checks and during the contest continuous medical as well as para-medical support was available. Each complaint was immediately treated adequately and no drop-outs were reported. Blood was sampled before and at the end of the 46 hour period and analyzed for plasma levels of muscle enzymes, electrolytes, total protein, urea and gamma-GPT. After 46 hours only a marked increase in plasma muscle enzyme actitity was noted, in spite of the fact that hardly any muscle soreness was reported. It is concluded that with an adequate preparation and continuous medical supervision such an endurance performance does not jeopardize health. Verf.-Referat