Changes in Hematological Factors during Preparation and Competition Periods in Elite Volleyball Players

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate some of the hematological factors during preparationand competition periods in elite volleyball players. Method: Twelve elite volleyball players participating inSuper League (experimental group) (age 25.8±6.5, height 191.0±8.2, weight 88.2± 8.2) and 12 healthysedentary subjects (age 23.7±3.7, height 180.2±7.7, weight 74.6± 12.1) (control group) participated in thestudy. The experimental group performed a preparation training program including physical fitness, motorfitness and skill training for eight weeks, as well as another 8 weeks of training including a period of volleyballcompetitions and routine trainings for maintaining fitness; while the control group had no regular physicaltraining. For measuring all hematological variables (PLT, MCV, MCHC, MCH, HB, HCT, RBC, WBC, MON%) subjects attended the physiology lab and three blood samples (6 ml) were taken pre-training, after 8 weeksof training and at the end of competition period. Result: Data analysis revealed that RBC, HCT, HB, MCV,MCH, WBC, MON%, and PLT values were not significantly different in the three measuring points inexperimental group. In addition, there were no significant differences in all of the above variables between thetwo groups. MCHC values at the end of training were significantly different from the pre- and mid-trainingperiods in experimental group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study it could be concludedthat a period of preparation training as well as a training period and competitions in Iranian super league has noeffect on resting levels of hematological parameters (Blood cells count).

Keywords

• blood cells
• fitness training
• volleyball
• competition