Differences in Blood Urea and Creatinine Concentrations in Earthed and Unearthed Subjects during Cycling Exercise and Recovery

Paweł Sokal,Zbigniew Jastrzębski,Robert Dargiewicz,Piotr Zieliński,Ewelina Jaskulska,Karol Sokal,Maria Jastrzębska,Łukasz Radzimiński

doi:10.1155/2013/382643

Abstract

Contact of humans with the earth, either directly (e.g., with bare feet) or using a metal conductor, changes their biochemical parameters. The effects of earthing during physical exercise are unknown. This study was carried out to evaluate selected biochemical parameters in subjects who were earthed during cycling. In a double-blind, crossover study, 42 participants were divided into two groups and earthed during exercise and recovery. One group was earthed in the first week during 30 minutes of cycling exercise and during recovery, and a second group was earthed in the second week. A double-blind technique was applied. Blood samples were obtained before each training session, after 15 and 30 minutes of exercise, and after 40 minutes of recovery. Significantly lower blood urea levels were observed in subjects earthed during exercise and relaxation. These significant differences were noted in both groups earthed at the beginning of exercise (P < 0.0001), after 15 (P < 0.0001) and 30 minutes (P < 0.0001) of exercise, and after 40 minutes of relaxation (P < 0.0001). Creatinine concentrations in earthed subjects during exercise were unchanged. Conclusions. Earthing during exercise lowers blood urea concentrations and may inhibit hepatic protein catabolism or increase renal urea excretion. Exertion under earthing may result in a positive protein balance.

Highlights

Direct contact of humans with the earth or using a metal conductor changes the electric potential on the surface of the body, as well as within the entire human organism
Lower blood urea levels were observed in subjects earthed during exercise and relaxation (Table 2)
There were significant differences in blood urea levels between subjects earthed in the first week and those unearthed in the second week (Figure 3(b)) and between subjects who were earthed in the second week and those unearthed in the first week (Figure 3(c))

Summary

Introduction

Direct contact of humans with the earth or using a metal conductor changes the electric potential on the surface of the body, as well as within the entire human organism. Transmitted earth potentials have a direct effect on the density of negative charges in the electrical human environment. Upand-down movement of the insulated human organism causes transient changes in potentials in the human electrical environment. Earthing, which is direct contact with the earth of the human body or with the use of a metal conductor, affects human physiological processes. This effect is predominantly observed during night relaxation and during physical activity.

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Conclusion