The Role of Biochemical Indicators in Predicting the Risk Severity of Lumbar Disc Herniation among Athletes

Abstract

The study targets determining the influence of biochemical indicators in the blood on the health of athletes suffering from herniated lumbar discs. It describes the role and significance of lactic acid, potassium, and testosterone levels as indicators of health conditions in athletes and risks of injury with its prevention ways. The researcher formulated the research problem as follows: To what extent can the biochemical indicators in the blood play a predictive role in estimating the risk of lumbar disc herniation amongst athletes? Muscle fatigue is caused by the accumulation of lactic acid in the body; thus, it reduces joint stability. On the other hand, potassium maintains muscle balance and strength; and with testosterone, it promotes bone and muscle development. These indicators can serve as a valuable assessment tool for the coach both in injury prevention and improvements in performance. Through the use of the qualitative dynamic method to attain predictive values, it is suggested that the indicators of blood biochemistry can be informative about health states regarding athletes as well as their capacity to recover and react to enhanced physical stress. The model of the study makes it possible to explain mostly the variation of the joint space by the level of lactic acid and that of potassium because they reflect, and have a direct effect, on the specific biochemical indicators related to the muscles and joints.