Erythropoietic adaptations to endurance training

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Abstract
Summary Erythropoietic adaptations involving the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC) and erythropoietin production have been implicated in the etiology of reduced blood haemoglobin concentrations in sportspersons (known as sports anaemia). A significant increase in the half-saturation pressure indicating a right-shift in the ODC was measured in 34 male [25.8–27.4 mmHg (3.44–3.65 kPa)] and 16 female (25.8–27.7 mmHg (3.44–3.69 kPa)] trained distance runners (PP−1) were significantly lower than those of 45 male distance runners (31.6 U · ml−1 ;P−1). Furthermore, the serum EPO concentrations were unaltered after prolonged strenuous exercise in 20 male marathon runners. These data suggest that the haematological status of these endurance athletes is in fact normal and that the observed shift in the ODC, while providing a physiological advantage during exercise, has no measurable effect on the erythropoietic drive.