Effect of physical exercise on some hematological parameters in female athletes in Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: Long term physical training has been considered to adversely affect the performance of athletes especially the females. It may be due to the iron depletion caused by hemolysis or hemodilution results from plasma volume expansion. This study aims to assess the effect of heavy exercise on hemoglobin concentration and some other hematological parameters in female athletes. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2010-June 2011. A total number of 105 females (70 athletes and 35 non athletes) between 15-25 years of age were recruited. The 35 apparently healthy female non athletes were taken as control (Group-A) and 70 female athletes comprise the study group (Group-B). According to sporting category, Group-B was further subdivided as B1:Runners and B2:Cyclists. Hemoglobin percentages (Hb %), red blood cell (RBC) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), serum iron, serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were measured in fasting state after two months training. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS/ win.15.0 for comparison between the groups, using student’s unpaired “t” test. Results: Mean Hb%, RBC, PCV, iron and ferritin level were significantly (P<0.001) lower in athletes than those of control group. Within the study groups, runner’s serum iron and ferritin level were lower than cyclists. TIBC significantly (P<0.001) rose in Group-B2 in comparison to Group-A. Conclusion: The current study showed that intense physical exercise leads to early stages of Hb%, RBC, PCV, iron and ferritin depletion which might compromise the health and performance of athletes.