The effects of aerobic exercises on coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in inactive aged men

Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are two main components of homeostasis. Lack of balance between activities of these systems and their controlling mechanisms can lead to bleeding and clot formation. There are controversial reports about the effect of physical activities on these systems. The effect of aerobic exercise on coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in inactive old men has not been determined in the previous studies and these factors have direct relationship with cardio vascular problems. In this study we evaluated the effect of this kind of exercise on some of the factors of these systems. This was an experimental study. Sampling method was convenient. For this purpose, 16 male volunteers with age range of 60-70 years were divided randomly into 2 groups: control and aerobic groups (n1=n2=8). Aerobic group performed physical exercise with ergometer in the first 2 weeks with 65%HRmax intensity for 30 minutes, and the next 2 weeks with 75% HRmax intensity for 35 minutes. Blood samples were taken 24 hours before the first, and 24 hours after the last training sessions. Fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), platelet counts and D-dimer were measured in both groups before and after training. Differences between the above mentioned factors in each person, before and after training, and between test and control groups were analyzed by means of t-test. Data analyses showed that aerobic training induced significant decrease in fibrinogen, PTT, PT and platelets counts (p<0.05), and significant increase in D-dimer (p<0.05). These changes were not observed in the control group (p>0.05). According to the findings of this study we concluded that 12 sessions of aerobic training can decrease coagulation factors and increase fibrinolytic factors of the blood and can prevent vascular thrombosis.