Changes in some hematologic variables in a group of women older tan 55 years, after a program of aerobic training

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate changes in some hematologic variables after a four-month program of aerobic physical activity, in a group of healthy women, older than 55 years.

Methods: 14 healthy sedentary women, older than 55 years were studied; they participated in a program of aerobic physical activity, three times per week, during four months, with an intensity between 60-85% of the maximal heart rate and with 60 minutes of duration per session. Before and after the program blood specimens were obtained to evaluate changes of hemoglobin, hematocrite, red blood cells count, average corpuscular volume, average corpuscular hemoglobin, and average concentration of corpuscular hemoglobin; by means of a maximal test in treadmill the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was determined.

Results: significant increase was found in hemoglobin (p<0.01), hematocrite (p<0.001), average corpuscular volume (p<0.001), average corpuscular hemoglobin (p<0.01) and VO2max (p<0.05). There were no changes in red blood cell count and average concentration of corpuscular hemoglobin.

Conclusion: in the studied group, a program of regular physical activity, with an intensity between 60-85% of the maximal heart rate, increased hemoglobin and hematocrite. This results suggest that aerobic training increases the transport of oxygen to tissues.