TITLE:
Haematological Changes of Half-Marathon Runners in the Sub-Saharan African Environment
AUTHORS:
Jean Georges André Moulongo, Elvina Lys Surêche Massamba, Jean Martin Moussoki, Mathias Cyriaque Ndalla, Didier Pambou Moussitou, Jacques N’gbandzo On’esala, Christophe Pela Lola, Bernard Packa Tchissambou, Alphonse Massamba
KEYWORDS:
Haematology, Half-Marathon Running, Haptoglobin, African Black, Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.7 No.9,
September
18,
2019
ABSTRACT: Background: Measurement of haematological parameters has been historically helpful in the diagnosis of many diseases in endurance sportsmen. The modifications of these parameters during endurance race have not yet been evaluated in many African countries. Objectives: To determine haematological values before and immediately after a half-marathon event, as well as within 24 hours after the race and to analyze the changes observed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 to 21 August 2018 at Brazzaville, Congo. All measurements were confined to 76 male participants (39 specialists vs 37 no specialists of endurance race) in the Brazzaville half-marathon (21.1 km), aged between 19 - 39 years (mean age: 26.7 ± 2.6 years). Coulter profiles with differential white cell counts and haptoglobin levels were determined in venous sample before and after competitive half-marathon race. The same measurements were performed during the 24 hrs following the competition. Results: In the pre-race sample, mild anemia was detected in 12 subjects and mild thrombocytopenia in 7 subjects. Haptoglobin levels were reduced in 5 subjects. Haematological values, all post-race, varied significantly before and after race, particularly for RBC, Hb, Hct, PLT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, monocyte counts, basophil counts, eosinophil counts and haptoglobin. These differences between specialists and no specialists were statistically (p Conclusion: Our data may help sport physicians, sport physiologists and trainers to better follow-up haematological reactions associated with the half-marathon race.