Table 4 Changes of haematological variables related to prolonged and multiday events in specific conditions

Prolonged exercise in hot conditions

Rama et al. [33]

Runners (n = 19)

The race was conducted over five stages (5 d) totalling a distance of 230 km. The daily maximum temperature ranged between 32 and 40 °C. Pre-stage blood samples were collected within the hour prior to the start of each running stage

↓ − 7% (5 d)

–

–

↓ − 8% (5 d)

↑ + 18% (5 d)

Zappe et al. [34]

Cyclists (n = 9)

Nine subjects were assigned to one of two experimental treatments: euhydrated (E) and hypohydrated (H). Following 20 min of a seated test in a warm environment, each subject cycled in a semi-reclining posture for 60 min at three successive intensities, representing 22% (T1), 37% (T2) and 53% (T3) of the VO_2max

↑/↑ (T3)

–

–

↑/↑ (T3)

↓ − 11%

↓ − 11% (T3)

Gaebelein and Senay [35]

Recreational athletes (n = 4)

Four males were studied during cycle ergometer exercise and stair stepping in a hot, wet environment (32 °C) after exertion. Venous blood samples were obtained 24 h before each exercise and before and at l0 min intervals during each exercise

↑ (10 min)

–

–

↑ (10 min)

↓ (10 min)

Prolonged exercise in hypoxic conditions

Garvican-Lewis et al. [36]

Cyclists (n = 30)

Four teams participating in the 2013 Tour of Qinghai Lake agreed to participate in the study. Haematological variables of sea-level (SL) and altitude (ALT) cyclists were measured during a 14-d cycling race, held at 1146–4120 m, as well as during a simulated tour near sea level (SIM)

↓ − 4% (10 d)

↑ + 28%

–

↓ − 7% (6 d)

↑ + 15% (6 d)

↓ − 8%

↑ + 24% (10 d)

↓ − 6%

↑ + 17%

↓ − 7% (14 d)

↓ − 18%

↓ − 7% (14 d)

↑ + 16% (14 d)

↓ − 35% (14 d)

Schumacher et al. [37]

Cyclists (n = 25)

Fourteen sea-level (SL) and eleven altitude-native (ALT), highly trained athletes participated in a 14-d cycling stage race taking place at an average altitude of 2496 m above sea level (min. 1014 m, max. 4120 m). Race distances ranged between 96 and 227 km d⁻¹. Blood samples were taken on d − 1, + 3, + 6, + 10, + 14 (SL) and − 1, + 9, + 15 (ALT)

↓ (14 d)

↑ (14 d)

↓ (14 d)

–

↑ (14 d)