Effect of Fitness-Level on Blood Coagulation Markers After Cold Exposure in Healthy Males

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has elucidated that blood coagulation factors are a contributing factor in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the four to six hours following acute cold exposure (ACE) is a critical time in which there is increased risk for a cardiac event. Furthermore, research has demonstrated a low-dose of aspirin altered the clotting response during recovery from ACE (ACE-REC). In addition, training status or fitness level has been shown to have a positive effect on acute and chronic hematologic function. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the fitness level of individuals who has been fed a body-weight dose of aspirin for one week prior to cold exposure is able to decrease the risk of clot formation during ACE-REC. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of fitness level on markers of coagulation in healthy males who were given a body-weight dose of aspirin during a two hour recovery from exposure to 10°C cold air. METHODS: Ten males (25.6±1.6 y) underwent pre-experimental testing to determine maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and body composition. Subjects were then randomly divided into low-fit (LF: VO2 = 36.6 ± 0.9 ml.kg−1.min−1; %BF = 22.9±0.8 %) and high fit (HF: VO2 = 52.0 ±1.2 ml.kg−1.min−1; %BF = 15.5±1.2) groups. Each subject underwent 2 trials which consisted of 120 min of exposure to 10°C air and 120 min of recovery in 25°C air. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 0, 60, and 120-min of recovery and analyzed for blood markers of blood coagulation. RESULTS: ANOVA did not reveal a main effect for fitness-level for any blood coagulation markers during ACE-REC. CONCLUSION: Based on these data, fitness-level did not contribute to a decrease in coagulation during ACE-REC.