Hematological And Biochemical Parameters In Elite Soccer Players During A Competitive Half Season

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to report and discuss the hematological and biochemical behavior of elite soccer players, in order to get more insight in the physiological characteristics of these sportsmen and to provide trainers and sports doctors with useful indicators.MethodsNineteen male soccer players volunteered to participate in this study. We followed the young elite soccer players during a competitive half season. Venous blood samples were collected between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. after an overnight fast (10 h) at baseline, after 45 and 90 days and hematological and biochemical parameters were measured.ResultsHemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly reduced over the observational period (p<0.05), but erythrocyte count and iron levels remained unchanged. Bilirubin and ferritin levels significantly increased in response to regular soccer training (p<0.05). We observed a significant decrease in muscle enzyme plasma activity during the 90 days study period. ANOVA analysis revealed a significant increase in the leukocyte and neutrophil counts (p<0.05), in parallel with a significant decrease in the lymphocyte count (p<0.05) after the observational period of 90 days.ConclusionsElite soccer players are characterized by significant changes in biochemical and hematological parameters over the half season, which are linked to training workload, as well as adaptation induced by the soccer training. Although the values of the measured parameters fell within the reference range, regular monitoring of the biochemical and hematological parameters is fundamental for the identification of a healthy status and related optimal performances by sport doctors and trainers and selection of a correct workload by trainers.

Training‐Induced Variations in Haematological and Biochemical Variables in Adolescent Athletes of Arab Origin Throughout an Entire Athletic Season

“…Consensus on the variability in hematological variables over time among athletes and non-athletes ( Joksimovic et al, 2009 ; Nikolaidis et al, 2003 ) or seasonal differences within the same squad ( Andelcovic et al, 2015 ; Manna et al, 2010 ) is lacking. The current work is, to our knowledge, the first providing information about young athletes of Arab origin.…”

“…The plasma volume expansion has been shown to occur more rapidly and to a greater extent than the increase in red cell volume following endurance-training programmes (Weight et al, 2007). In two studies a plasma volume expansion was observed in young soccer athletes and older swimmers from baseline to the end of the examined period ( Andelcovic et al, 2015 ; Santhiago et al, 2009 ). However, in our study, plasma volume was decreased in the whole group by 1.4% after 5 months of regular training (T 2 ) and by 4.9% in May (T 3 ).…”

Anthropometric and Hematological Profile of some selected Ethiopian Premier League Male Soccer Players in the Final Competitive Season

“…The competitive demand of soccer game may impose strain various physiological systems including the musculoskeletal, nervous and immune and metabolic, which may be reflected in changes in biochemical and hematological parameters (3). Soccer is an endurance-based sport during which athletes require large amounts of oxygen within the different systems of the body in order for them to function (20). Endurance training, like in soccer, may bring about a decrease in erythrocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, iron and ferritin concentration, and may lead to changes in the health status of athletes (2).…”

Monitorización de biomarcadores sanguíneos en jugadores profesionales de fútbol durante la fase preparatoria y competitiva. [Monitoring biochemical markers in professional soccer players during the season and preseason preparation phase].

“…Los autores afirman que este fenómeno se debió al daño muscular inducido por el acumulo de partidos. En otro estudio con jugadores croatas (Andelkovic, Baralic, Dordevic, Stevuljevic, Radivojevic, Dikic, Radojevic, Stojkovic, 2014), no se observaron cambios significativos a las 6 semanas de competición, pero si hallaron una reducción relevante a las 9 semanas, efecto que pueda deberse a una planificación uniforme durante la primera parte del ciclo competitivo.…”