Thesis
Assessment of Platelet Activation during Repeated Sprint Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction
Honours, Murdoch University
2024
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Blood flow restriction (BFR) is a novel exercise method where arterial blood inflow is reduced and venous return is mostly occluded, altering typical haemodynamics While extensive research has explored the musculoskeletal effects of BFR, its impact on haemostatic markers and platelet activation remain significantly underexplored.
METHODS: A randomised cross-over design was employed, with twenty-six semi-professional and amateur male team-sport athletes performing repeated sprint exercise (RSE) with BFR or non-BFR conditions. In this context, “non-BFR” refers to exercise performed without the application of BFR. Venous blood samples were collected at three key timepoints: pre-exercise, 5-minutes, and 60- minutes post-exercise. Whole blood and plasma samples were examined invitro using the Sysmex- 550N haematology analyser and platelet-specific immunosorbent assays, respectively.
RESULTS: No significant differences in white cell and differential counts, red blood cell indices, nor markers of platelet activation were observed following BFR exercise. However, lower platelet counts and plateletcrit (PCT) were noted with BFR compared to non-BFR conditions, although mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were not different between conditions.
SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: These results emphasise the heamatological safety of BFR among healthy young individuals performing maximal intensity exercise. These findings allow athletes and rehabilitation patients to utilise this training intervention with confidence to pursue physiological adaptations while minimising thrombotic risks. This pioneering work has established an initial time course of expected changes in platelet parameters, which will inform future studies investigating different populations, BFR, and RSE protocols.
Details
- Title
- Assessment of Platelet Activation during Repeated Sprint Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction
- Authors/Creators
- Ella Dawson
- Contributors
- Murray Adams (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic SciencesBrendan Scott (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Healthy AgeingKim Rice (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic SciencesJames R. McKee (Supervisor) - Murdoch University
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Honours
- Identifiers
- 991005726584707891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Resource Type
- Thesis
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