Effects of Sprint and Endurance Athletes on some Haematological Characteristics of Female Athletes in the University of Port Harcourt

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the haematological characteristics of sprint and endurance female athletes in the University of Port Harcourt. Data were obtained from the athletes (sprints and endurance females athletes), analyzed according to standard principles of haematological practices. The results obtained were statistically tested according to the various research questions and hypotheses raised earlier and in relation to findings of previous researchers. It was discovered that some significant relationships exist between the sprint and endurance male athletes, in Hb, PCV, RBC and WBC. By implications the parallel decreased in PCV and RBC are in response to the increase in training as well as haemostasis mechanism. The reduction in parameters at post test may also be a protective measures against the high rate of dehydration. Physical stress, might have triggered the immune response with attendant increases of white blood cells to fight infections, hence normalizes the hemostasis. The study concluded that sports administrators, couches, and athletes should as a condition verify haematological statuses before embarking on athletic runs.