The Effect of Resistance Training with Two Maximum and Sub-maximal Intensities on Leukocytes and Blood Coagulation Factors in Non-Athlete Men: A Clinical Trial Study

The effects of maximal and sub-maximal resistance exercise on leukocytes and coagulator factors is ambiguous. Therefore the purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of maximum and sub-maximal resistance training intensities on leukocytes and blood coagulation factors in non-athlete men.

In this clinical trial study, 19 young non-athlete men with age 20.16±1.21 years and weight 65.74±1.37 kg completed maximal resistance exercise (85% 1RM [One-Repetition Maximum]) with right hand and after one week, sub-maximal resistance exercise (60% 1RM) with 3 sets of 15 repetitions and 3 minutes rest intervals. 5 ml blood were taken before, immediately, 2h, 24h, 48h and 72h after exercise, and leukocytes were measured by cell counter and platelets and factor VIII by auto-analyzer. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated-measures and Bonferroni, and the means of the two exercises were studied using paired t-test.

Leukocytes and coagulation factors were significantly higher than rest level immediately, 2h and 24h after both exercises (p=0.042) and then decreased to rest level 48h and 72h after training. There was no significant difference between neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes at different intervals after both maximal and sub-maximal exercises. However, the platelets and factor VIII after the maximal exercise were significantly more than the sub-maximal exercise (p=0.045).

So, due to the higher increase of platelets and factor VIII levels after maximal intensity exercise and the risk of blood clot formation, it is suggested that non-athlete people start the resistance training program with submaximal intensity for maintaining the health.