University Archives

 This research examines exhaled breath as a window into exercise-induced metabolic changes in collegiate athletes. Breath samples collected through the Center for Augmenting Intelligence (CAI) at the University of Detroit Mercy were analyzed to explore how exercise influences metabolic biomarkers. Analysis of 150 breath samples revealed that while group-level median concentrations of Acetone, Methane, Hydrogen, and CO₂ remain stable pre- to post-workout, individual metabolic variability increases significantly following exercise. Acetone concentration, a biomarker of fat oxidation, correlated positively with sleep quality and fasting duration, with the highest levels observed in athletes who had fasted >12 hours. CO₂ levels decreased post-exercise, reflecting enhanced ventilation, with the largest reductions in athletes reporting the highest performance readiness. Humidity emerged as the most exercise-sensitive environmental parameter. Integration of breath biomarkers with lifestyle factors (sleep, nutrition, hydration) reveals personalized metabolic signatures that may inform training optimization and wellness monitoring strategies.