Abstract
The performance in team sports partly depends on the oxygen transport capacity that is also associated with the erythrocyte values, which should be regularly assessed throughout the sports season. This controlled observational study aims at measuring the haematologic modifications induced by the physical load associated with a series of matches in a Benin Division 1 female handball team. It was carried out at Cotonou during the 25th African Handball Winners’ Cup, with 22 female handball players of the Beninese champion team, divided into an experimental group (EG: n = 16) and a control one (CG: n = 6). The red blood cell count (RBC), the rates of Hb (Hb) and haematocrit (Ht), the Wintrobe’s constants and four iron parameters were assessed prior to and after a series of four matches played in six days. At the end of the competition, RBC increased significantly (p p > 0.05). Serum iron, serum transferrin and total iron binding capacity decreased significantly (p
Highlights
Sports performance strongly depends on the oxygen transportation capacity to supply exercising muscles
This study belongs to the few ones addressing the modifications of the haematological parameters during a handball continental-level competition, played in a tropical environment
total iron binding capacity (TBC) and serum transferrin were reduced at the end of the matches of the preliminary round, without any case of anaemia
Summary
Sports performance strongly depends on the oxygen transportation capacity to supply exercising muscles. This capacity is associated with the erythrocyte values, which may be regularly assessed throughout the sports season (Fallon, 2004; Lesesve et al, 2000) to allow trainers and medical staff members to collect useful fitness and health related information on players. In a sportsman practicing an intense long duration activity, water losses are accompanied by a decrease in iron store. In case this situation persists, it may lead to anaemia, as the sport considered requires important energy expenditure.
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