<![CDATA[Background: Pencak Silat training and sparring involve physical demands that may contribute to skeletal muscle stress. Creatine kinase (CK) is commonly measured as an indirect marker of muscle damage following exercise. However, little is known about CK concentrations in Tapak Suci athletes before sparring. Describing these pre-sparring levels may provide preliminary information for further research on physiological monitoring in this population. Objective: This study aimed to describe baseline CK levels in Tapak Suci Pencak Silat athletes before sparring. Methods: This descriptive quantitative study involved six athletes from a Tapak Suci club in Sukabumi City, Indonesia, selected using purposive sampling. Venous blood samples were collected one hour before the scheduled sparring session. CK levels were analysed using an enzymatic spectrophotometric method. Descriptive statistics, including the mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values, were used to summarize the data. Results: The mean pre-sparring CK level was 98.67 U/L (SD = 34.32 U/L), with values ranging from 63 to 146 U/L. All participants’ CK levels were within the reported reference limits for their respective sexes. Conclusion: The six athletes demonstrated pre-sparring CK levels within the applicable reference limits. These findings provide preliminary baseline data that may support subsequent monitoring of CK responses to sparring. However, the small sample size and cross-sectional measurement limit the generalizability of the findings. CK levels alone cannot establish overall physiological readiness or rule out residual muscle damage.]]>
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