Changes in Hematological Factors during Preparation and Competition Periods in Elite Volleyball Players

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate some of the hematological factors during preparation
and competition periods in elite volleyball players. Method: Twelve elite volleyball players participating in
Super League (experimental group) (age 25.8±6.5, height 191.0±8.2, weight 88.2± 8.2) and 12 healthy
sedentary subjects (age 23.7±3.7, height 180.2±7.7, weight 74.6± 12.1) (control group) participated in the
study. The experimental group performed a preparation training program including physical fitness, motor
fitness and skill training for eight weeks, as well as another 8 weeks of training including a period of volleyball
competitions and routine trainings for maintaining fitness; while the control group had no regular physical
training. For measuring all hematological variables (PLT, MCV, MCHC, MCH, HB, HCT, RBC, WBC, MON
%) subjects attended the physiology lab and three blood samples (6 ml) were taken pre-training, after 8 weeks
of training and at the end of competition period. Result: Data analysis revealed that RBC, HCT, HB, MCV,
MCH, WBC, MON%, and PLT values were not significantly different in the three measuring points in
experimental group. In addition, there were no significant differences in all of the above variables between the
two groups. MCHC values at the end of training were significantly different from the pre- and mid-training
periods in experimental group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study it could be concluded
that a period of preparation training as well as a training period and competitions in Iranian super league has no
effect on resting levels of hematological parameters (Blood cells count).