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Hematological indices in elite cyclists
Y O Schumacher1, R Jankovits, D Bültermann
1Abteilung Rehabilitative und Präventive Sportmedizin, Medizinische Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106-Freiburg, Germany. olaf@msm1.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|October 18, 2002
Summary
Athletes show seasonal changes in blood profiles, impacting sports blood testing. New reference values are proposed to account for exercise adaptations in hematological variables for fairer athlete testing.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Hematology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Blood testing is crucial in sports, with federations using cut-off values to prevent blood manipulation.
- Current regulations lack reference ranges for exercise-adapted blood profiles in athletes.
- This study addresses the need for athlete-specific blood testing parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of exercise on hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), blood cell variables, and vascular volumes in elite cyclists.
- To estimate normal blood test ranges for athletes, considering seasonal adaptations.
- To inform updated sports testing regulations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1628 blood samples from 169 male and 55 female national team cyclists.
- Automatic analysis of blood cell indices and calculation of vascular volumes.
- Estimation of overall averages and seasonal variations in hematological parameters.
Main Results:
- Identified significant seasonal changes in blood variables and vascular volumes.
- Reported average Hb levels: 15.4 g/dL (male) and 13.9 g/dL (female); Hct: 45% (male) and 40.7% (female).
- 1-6% of samples exceeded current limits, similar to the general population, indicating potential for refined interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Athlete blood profiles exhibit seasonal adaptations that require consideration in testing regulations.
- The presented data can serve as reference values for indirect single- and multivariable blood tests.
- Proposed reference values aim to improve the accuracy and fairness of sports doping control.