Comparison of the effect of 100-meter freestyle swimming and 400-meter running on the electrolytes of short-distance swimmers

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effect of 100-meter freestyle swimming and 400-meter running on the electrolytes of short-distance swimmers. The researchers used the descriptive method. The research sample included 8 short-distance swimmers from the team of Mosul University, specifically from the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. Tests, measurements, technical devices, and scientific sources were utilized as means of collecting research data. The data analysis was conducted using the statistical package SPSS (version 23.0). When we made the comparison between the pre-tests and the post-tests, we observed that 100-meter freestyle swimming resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of potassium, sodium and chloride ions during post-test. However, 400-meter running resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of sodium and chloride ions, but the increase was not significant in the case of potassium. When we compared the post-tests of all the variables studied, we found no significant differences in potassium between swimming and running. Regarding sodium, the concentration of this ion was significantly higher after 100-meter freestyle swimming than after 400-meter running. However, with chloride the opposite happened, being the concentration of chloride ion significantly higher after running than after swimming.