The effects of acute dynamic exercise on haemostasis in first class Scottish football referees

Peat, E.E., Dawson, M., McKenzie, A. and Hillis, W.S. (2010) The effects of acute dynamic exercise on haemostasis in first class Scottish football referees. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(8), 573-U24. (doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.053306)

Abstract

Purpose Physical fitness may confer protection from thrombosis; however, exercise-induced platelet activation may be involved in the triggering of acute vascular events. This study aimed to assess haemostatic responses to acute exercise in trained and sedentary middle-aged subjects. Methods 21 first class Scottish football referees and 15 sedentary controls performed a treadmill exercise test. Blood sampling was performed before, immediately after and 30 minutes post-exercise. Samples were analysed for platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and serum fibrinogen. Platelet activation was assessed using flow cytometry with CD62 (P-selectin) and antifibrinogen antibodies at rest and in response to ADP and epinephrine. Results Total platelet count (x 10(-9)/l) increased immediately post-exercise (228.2 (40.5), 278.6 (48.9) p = 0.001) remaining elevated at 30 minutes in both groups. APTT (s) was reduced immediately post-exercise (32.15 (3.1), 29.7 (3.94) p = 0.001) with a further reduction seen at 30 minutes (32.15 (3.1), 28.4 (3.31) p = 0.001). In the referees, percentage CD62 expression increased immediately post-exercise (0.688 (0.52), 1.42 (1.3) p = 0.008). Percentage antifibrinogen expression increased post-exercise (5.19 (4.31), 13.01 (14.24) p = 0.017), with a further increase at 30 minutes (5.19 (4.31), 20.47 (26.8) p = 0.02). Conclusion This study suggests that in an older athletic population, physical fitness does not protect against the prothrombotic effects of exercise. Our data would suggest that during a football match when referees achieve approximately 80% of peak VO2 (23) they may be at risk of significant platelet activation. Prophylactic platelet inhibition should be considered in this group after appropriate screening and risk stratification

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: ACTIVATION ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION ANTIBODIES BLOOD COAGULATION DEATH ENGLAND epinephrine EVENTS exercise EXERTION EXPRESSION fibrinogen haemostasis HEART INCREASE INHIBITION PHYSICAL-EXERCISE PLATELET-FUNCTION POPULATION PROTECTION REDUCTION RESPONSES RISK RISK STRATIFICATION Scotland SERUM STRENUOUS EXERCISE STRESS THROMBOSIS
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Peat, Mrs Elizabeth and Dawson, Mr Michael and Hillis, Professor William
• Authors: Peat, E.E., Dawson, M., McKenzie, A., and Hillis, W.S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: British Journal of Sports Medicine
• ISSN: 0306-3674