Hematologic and biochemical laboratory parameters before and after a marathon race

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Medicine
• Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

• Marathon running is a demanding exercise with significant physiological impacts.
• Laboratory testing after marathons may be affected by residual exercise effects.
• Understanding post-marathon physiological changes is crucial for athletes and clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in blood cell count and biochemical parameters in marathon runners.
• To evaluate these parameters at three days before and after a marathon.
• To examine immediate and delayed effects of marathon running on physiological markers.

Main Methods:

• Seven marathon runners underwent incremental cycle ergometry to maximal capacity.
• Tests were performed three days before and three days after the marathon.
• Blood cell counts and biochemical markers (electrolytes, LDH, CPK, glucose) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Peak oxygen consumption (% peak VO2) was significantly lower three days after the marathon compared to before (p=0.02).
• No significant differences were found in cardiac frequency, blood cell counts, or most biochemical parameters immediately post-exercise.
• A notable percentage of laboratory results fell outside standard reference ranges, despite no significant group differences.

Conclusions:

• Marathon running impairs exercise performance for at least three days post-race.
• While group averages for blood counts and biochemicals were stable, individual results varied, with many outside normal ranges.
• Further research with larger cohorts and more frequent sampling is recommended to fully elucidate long-term effects.