Table 10 Changes in haematological variables related to athletes’ characteristics

Genetic characteristics

Robinson et al. [73]

Track and field athletes (n = 3683)

Reference ranges in top‐level track and field athletes were determined for biomarkers of altered erythropoiesis considering various factors such as gender (M/F), age, endurance (E) or non‐endurance (NE) disciplines, detailed sport disciplines, the origin of the athletes (African [AFR], South America [SAF], European [EUR], Oceania [OCE]) and the time of blood sampling

Higher (M) (AFR) (SAF) Lower (OCE)

Lower (M)

= (NS)

–

–

Mullen et al. [74]

Recreational athletes (n = 17)

Seventeen women with regular menses were included. Blood samples were collected once a week for two consecutive cycles and analysed for haematological parameters. Menstrual phases were hormonally determined: follicle (T1), ovulatory (T2) and luteal phases (T3)

= (NS)

Lower − 19% (T1)

= (NS)

= (NS)

–

Lobigs [75]

Recreational athletes (n = 2222)

Reference intervals of healthy athletes were established for 13 haematological parameters. Participants were subsequently characterised into five major ethnic groups: Arabic (G1), Asian (G2), Black (G3), White (G4) and Mixed (G5)

Lower (G1)

Lower (G3)

–

Lower (G1)

–

Steiner and Wehrlin [76]

Endurance athletes (n = 92)

Blood parameters were measured in three endurance athlete groups: AG16 (n = 14), AG21 (n = 14) and AG28 (n = 16), as well as in three age-matched control groups (< 2 h endurance training per week): CG16 (n = 16), CG21 (n = 15) and CG28 (n = 16)

Lower − 6% (AG16)

= (NS)

= (NS)

Lower − 6% (AG16)

= (NS)

Steiner et al. [77]

Endurance athletes (n = 22)

Several venous blood parameters were assessed in ten male adolescent endurance athletes (five XC-skiers and five triathletes) at seven time points in 6-month intervals, resulting in a monitoring phase of 3 years

= (NS)

= (NS)

–

= (NS)

↑ (3 y.)