Changes in 25(OH)D concentration, bone resorption markers and physical performance due to sun exposure, diet and training load among professional women handball players during the half-year training season

Authors

Sorin Dacian Buhas, University of OradeaFollow
Zbigniew Jastrzębski, Gdansk UniversityFollow
Paul Florian Dragos, University of OradeaFollow
Marius Alin Marinau, University of OradeaFollow
Maria Skalska, Gdansk Medical UniversityFollow
Mirela Stef, University of OradeaFollow
Joanna Jastrzębska, Gdansk Medical UniversityFollow
Mihai Sandra, University of OradeaFollow
Dana Ioana Cristea, University of OradeaFollow

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate changes in 25(OH)D concentration, bone resorption indicators and physical fitness in female handball players as a result of their exposure to the sun, diet and exercise load during the six-month training period from mid-March to mid-September, i.e. the time when the sun exposure is the highest during the calendar year. Twenty-two women handball players participated in the study. Due to the random occurrences and exclusion criteria, 20 players completed the project. Biochemical analysis of blood, aerobic capacity, running speed and power tests (Wingate test, squat jump, counter movement jump, etc.) was conducted three times during this six-month period. Significant changes in 25(OH)D, PTH concentrations and some physical tests were demonstrated between all the tested moments. A very strong effect size has been found for almost all the indicators, except PTH, which presents a smaller value. No direct correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and performance.

Recommended Citation

Buhas SD, Jastrzebski J, Dragos PF, Marinau MA, Skalska M, Stef M, Jastrzebska J, Sandra M, Cristea ID. Changes in 25(OH)D concentration, bone resorption markers and physical performance due to sun exposure, diet and training load among professional women handball players during the half-year training season. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(1):Article8. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.1.08

Author ORCID Identifier

Sorin Dacian Buhas; ORCID: 0000-0002-2606-4884

Zbigniew Jastrzębski; ORCID: 0000-0003-2006-125X

Paul Florian Dragos; ORCID: 0000-0003-2159-5114

Marius Alin Marinau; ORCID: 0000-0002-3989-9872

Maria Skalska; ORCID: 0000-0002-5130-9476

Mirela Stef; ORCID: 0000-0003-0484-4289

Joanna Jastrzębska; ORCID: 0000-0001-8820-8890

Mihai Sandra; ORCID: 0009-0009-1226-834X

Dana Ioana Cristea; ORCID: 0000-0002-4636-4892

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.