True or False: Exercise and intramuscular injections significantly increase total creatine kinase (CK) levels.

Total creatine kinase (CK) levels can significantly increase due to a variety of physiological factors, including exercise and intramuscular injections.

During physical activity, especially high-intensity or resistance training, muscle fibers are put under stress, which leads to microtrauma. This microtrauma can cause the release of CK from the intracellular compartment of muscle cells into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated serum levels.

Similarly, intramuscular injections can also lead to localized muscle injury, and as a result, CK levels may rise due to the same underlying mechanism of muscle cell disruption and subsequent release of CK into circulation.

As such, the statement that exercise and intramuscular injections significantly increase total CK levels is accurate. It reflects the physiological response to muscle strain and injury, making this understanding crucial for interpreting CK results in clinical settings.