Acute Variation of Hematological Parameters during 622 km Ultra-Marathon

Abstract

To investigate the effects of strenuous physical exercise on commonly used hematological markers in subjects the intensive long running. Blood samples were obtained from nineteen participants in a 622 km ultra-marathon race before, 300 km and immediately after completion of the 622 km ultra-marathon. Samples were analyzed for total white cell count (WBC) and differential, total red cell count (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), platelets, mean platelets volume (MPV), platelets distribution width (PDW). Significant increases were found in WBC, neutrophil and platelets at 622 km compared to the pre-race. RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased statistically significantly the race at 300 km and 622 km compared to pre-race. A wide range of hematological perturbations occur during 622 km ultra-marathon running but it was physiological changes within a reference range. The 622 km ultramarathon is less likely to cause clinically significant hematologic changes in athletes.