Hemorheological Alterations and Physical Activity

Abstract

Elucidating the complex processes that determine the ability of the human body to adapt to specific intense training programs is critical to improving athletic performance in elite athletes. The present work aims to describe the main hemorheological changes as a result of physical exercises of different intensity, frequency, duration and modes of loading. Sport and physical exertion induce a hemorheological response of different nature and degree, structured in the present paper as follows: erythrocyte aggregation; change in the concentration of basic plasma components; changes in blood flow; changes in blood volume; changes in the endothelial cells of the vascular walls; changes in blood pressure; changes resulting from tissue hypoxia; interacting, different in nature hemorheological consequences. The studied and described original models of hemorheological response can contribute to a more successful adaptation of the training programs—In order to improve the health status of the participants and to optimize the sports form of the elite athletes. Physical loads of different frequencies, intensities and durations induce a different hemorheological response in athletes. The effect of “regular, moderate and properly dosed physical activity” during training is also strictly individual. This fact suggests approaching the training regime of each elite athlete personally, practicing specific to his preparation, well-chosen, balanced physical exercises. This will help to achieve the so-called state of hemorheological fitness. Extensive future research is needed to elucidate the cellular, tissue and molecular mechanism of hemorheological changes in blood, blood cells, and blood plasma. It is essential to study the vascular characteristics and biomechanical properties of blood under physical loads with different regimes and variable parameters, taking into account the individual, professional, biological and mechanical profile of each athlete.