Training Alterations In Total Hemoglobin Mass And Plasma Volume In Collegiate Athletes Residing At Altitude

Abstract

Total hemoglobin mass (THM) is directly related to maximal oxygen consumption and can be used to determine blood volume, red cell volume and plasma volume (PV). The effect of training on THM and PV for male and female intercollegiate athletes across sports residing at altitude has received limited attention. PURPOSE: To examine if training alters THM and PV in NCAA DI athletes residing at altitude. In addition, the effects of sex and/or sport were investigated. METHODS: We recruited 88 NCAA DI athletes from the University of Colorado Boulder alpine ski, (8M & 7F), nordic ski (NSKI; 6M & 6F), football (FB; 9M), lacrosse (LAX; 35F) and soccer (17F) teams. THM and PV were measured over 3 or more months at selected time points where coaches indicated a change in training stimulus. Recreationally active students (14M & 12F) served as baseline controls. The optimized carbon monoxide rebreathing procedure was used to measure THM and determine PV. Values were reported as means and standard errors while significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS:Females: Initial THM for controls, alpine, LAX, NSKI and soccer (577 ± 27, 622 ± 39, 614 ± 11.2, 658 ± 29, 628 ± 23 g, respectively) were not different between groups and did not change with training for any teams. Initial PV for controls, alpine, LAX, NSKI and soccer (2981 ± 190, 3079 ± 128, 3118 ± 56, 3160 ± 194, 3341 ± 107 mL, respectively) were not different between groups. PV decreased with training for alpine, LAX and soccer by 304 ± 116, 112 ± 51 and 268 ± 84 mL, respectively. Males: Initial THM for alpine, FB and NSKI (996 ± 43, 1169 ± 35 & 1089 ± 64 g, respectively) were not different and did not change with training. Initial THM for controls (894 ± 38.1) was lower than FB and NSKI. Initial PV values for controls, alpine, FB and NSKI were 3763 ± 158, 3901 ± 268, 4855 ± 121 and 4597 ± 260 mL, respectively. Initial PV for controls were lower than FB and NSKI, while alpine was lower than FB. NSKI had a decrease in PV (-477 ± 157 mL), which then returned to initial values. CONCLUSION: THM remained constant during training, regardless of sport or sex, indicating that the training stimuli experienced by the athletes may not alter THM. During the course of training certain teams exhibited a decrease in PV, which could be a result of the nature of training stimuli and/or hydration status.