Effect of Running Training on White Blood Cells and Platelets Count and Red Blood Cells Distribution Width in Untrained Middle-Aged Men

White blood cells count (WBC), platelet count (Plt) and red blood cells distribution width (RDW) are some emerging atherosclerosis risk factors.

The purpose of this research was to study the effects of three months running exercise on these variables in untrained overweight middle-aged men.

Subjects were divided in groups of control (n = 10) and exercise (n = 11). In experimental group, subjects performed twelve weeks (three times per week) running exercise (intensity was between 75% to 85% of maximum heart rate). Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 48 hours after exercises. Paired t-test was used for analysis of data in SPSS V. 15.

Statistical analysis showed significant reduction of RDW and BMI, also significant elevation of WBC, Plt and VO2max after three months exercise in the experimental group (P ≤ 0.05); no significant changes was observed in the control group (P > 0.05).

In general, three months running exercise may improve blood cells (leucocytes, erythrocytes and platelets) function that may lead to reduction of cardiovascular events risk in middle-aged men, but certainly more research is needed for precise conclusion.