MARATHON RUN .3. EFFECTS ON COAGULATION, FIBRINOLYSIS, PLATELET-AGGREGATION AND SERUM CORTISOL-LEVELS - A 3-YEAR STUDY

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 43  (1) , 49-52
Abstract
Blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, platelet count-aggregation and cortisol were assessed in 35 Finnish amateur runners aged 27-56 years (mean 40) and 3 aged 65, 67 and 82 who had run a non-competitive marathon in 1975, 1976 and 1977 over the classical itinerary. After the run, in all 3 yr kaolin-activated partial thromboplastin time showed shortening (P < 0.001); prothrombin time and plasma fibrinogen were not significantly altered; euglobulin lysis time was shorter (P < 0.001) and fibrin degradation products increased (P < 0.001); protamine sulfate precipitation test became positive in all subjects, whereas the ethanol gelation test remained negative; no cryofibrinogen was detected. Platelet count and aggregation showed increase (P < 0.001) in 1975 (extreme heat, 25.degree. C) but remained unaltered in 1976, 1977 (15-18.degree. C). Cortisol levels were always significantly increased-more markedly in 1975. Women''s responses were similar to those of men. A possible correlation between physical fitness and the responses of hemostatic balance is suggested and the influence of weather is discussed.