Differences in Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Athletes and Non-Athletes

Aims: Researches show that sports participation has its own inherent haematological and biochemical adaptations. Although studies have reported that athletes are at vantage level as compare to non-athletes in physiological parameters, whether it extends to haematological and biochemical parameters at rest has not been reported. This study investigated the differences in some haematological and biochemical parameters between athletes and non-athletes at rest.

Study Design: The study used descriptive cross-sectional design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Sports and Exercise Science, between October 2016 and April 2017.

Methodology: Five milliliters blood samples of 23 university students [Mean age = 21.35 ± 2.04 years, 11 athletes (mean age = 21.45 ± 2.46 years), 12 non-athletes (mean age = 21.25 ± 1.66 years)] were collected (within 8-10 hours post prandial) and after at least 24 hours of last sports participation/practice. Blood samples were run for haematological and biochemical analysis.

Results: Differences in red blood cell (P = 0.782), haemoglobin, (P = 0.797), haematocrit (P = 0.655), white blood cell (P = 0.249), lymphocytes (P = 0.740), neutrophil (P = 0.104), platelets (P = 0.372), platelet crit (P = 0.226), mean platelet volume (P = 0.603), urea (P = 0.082), creatinine (P = 0.123), sodium (P =0.488), chloride (P = 0.308) and potassium (P = 0.076) between athletes and non-athletes were not significant.

Conclusion: At rest, athletes and non-athletes had no significant differences in haematological and biochemical parameters. Hence, sports participation should not be solely implicated in the changes associated with haematological and biochemical parameters of individuals.