Changes in blood rheological properties and biochemical markers after participation in the XTERRA Poland triathlon competition

Abstract

The importance of physical activity in preventing chronic cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and the role of exercise as an adjunct therapy are widely recognized. Triathlon is a typically endurance discipline. Prolonged and intensive exercise is known to cause changes in blood rheological properties and biochemical markers; sometimes athletes participating in strenuous competitions need medical attention. To understand the phenomena occurring in the body in such situations, we decided to study participants’ biomarkers after the XTERRA Poland 2017 triathlon competition. The study involved 10 triathletes. The XTERRA Poland 2017 event comprised 1500-m swimming, 36-km cycling, and 10-km mountain running. Blood samples were collected 2 days before, immediately after, and 16 h after the competition. Immediately after the race, white blood cells count, platelets, and uric acid levels were significantly (P < 0.001) increased; haematocrit, Na+, Cl–, and IgA were decreased. On the following day, Na+, Cl–, and C-reactive protein levels were significantly (P < 0.001) increased; white blood cells count, red blood cells count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, IgG, and IgA were decreased. Assessing rheological parameters such as erythrocyte deformability and aggregation is useful for monitoring adverse effects of intensive and exhaustive exercise. The study illustrates the change in blood rheological properties and biochemical markers after intensive physical effort. Despite these differences, the indicators were within the reference range for the general population, which may demonstrate normal body function in the studied triathletes.