Seasonal variations of haematological parameters in athletes

Abstract

The influence of training and competition workloads is crucial for evaluation of longitudinal haematological data in athletes. There are only a few papers on the variation of haematological parameters during long-lasting periods and, especially, during an entire competitive season. We summarized that some haematological parameters can be influenced by long-term training and competition periods. Haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Ht) are decreased during the more intense periods of training, throughout the season. In different sport disciplines, the decline of Hb ranges from 3 to 8% during the competition season, while the range of reticulocytes (Ret%) varies from 5 to 21%. Reticulocytes are also decreased after long periods of training and competitions, but their variation is not necessarily associated with that of Hb. The qualitative variations (trend of modifications) of haematological parameters are roughly independent of the sport discipline, but quantitatively (amount of modifications) dependent on sport discipline. The modifications are more evident in cycling, running, swimming than they are in football and rugby. The variations of haematological parameters within the same sport discipline are qualitatively concordant and quantitatively different among separate but consecutive competitive seasons. These findings are described in aerobic and team sports sportsmen. The definition of reliable reference ranges in sportsmen would only be possible by following the best laboratory practices. For antidoping purposes more studies investigating haematological modifications during the season are advisable.

The effects of intermittent hypoxia training on hematological and aerobic performance in triathletes

“…However in the CG, these values remained close to baseline, with a tendency to decrease them. The decrease in these hematological parameters found in the CG was similar to that found in recent studies, in which authors measured decrease in hematological variables during the season when the training intensity and volume was higher (1). In contrast, during transition and no-training periods in professional cyclists, the opposite tendency was observed (19).…”

Oxidative Stress Markers After a Race in Professional Cyclists

“…Moreover, activation of angiogenesis was suggested by the rise in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) supporting a possible role of tissue hypoxia in modulating the response (Grochot-Przeczek et al, 2013). Although, several hematological parameters were increased after acute exercise it was reported that long-term training and competition periods such as 3-week professional competition (Giro d'Italia stage race) resulted in lower values of hemoglobin, red blood cells and hematocrit than baseline (Banfi et al, 2011;Corsetti et al, 2012). Thiol redox cycles play central roles in maintaining the redox state in cells.…”

Respostas De Indicadores Fisiológicos a Um Jogo De Futebol

“…Essa posição é corroborada por Karakoc et al 12 , que verificaram em jogadores de futebol, após 90 minutos de treinamento realizado dois dias após o jogo, uma diminuição da viscosidade sanguínea e subsequente reduções nos valores de Hb, VGM. No entanto, há de se destacar que o controle do peso e da hidratação dos atletas decorrer das 24, 48 e 72 horas, pode ser um fator limitante nesse processo.…”