Effects of Maximal Exercise on Factor VIII:C and Antithrombin III Activity in Male Students

Abstract

         The objective of this experimental research was to investigate the effects of maximal exercise on factor VIII and antithrombin III activity in male students. Twenty men were divided into two groups, a control group (n=10) and an exercise group (n=10). In both groups, maximal oxygen consumption was measured before the exercise test. One week later, the exercise group performed a maximal exercise test on a bicycle ergometer. Blood samples were collected before and 15 minutes after the completion of the test. Blood samples of the sedentary control group were drawn at the same time as that of the exercise group. It was found that the exercise group showed an increase in factor VIII activity and the difference of the before and after means of the factor VIII levels was statistically significant (p < 0.05). While there was a small increase in antithrombin III activity, but the difference was not statistically significant. These parameters did not change in the control group. These results indicate that factor VIII which is related to thrombosis can be increased by maximal exercise.

Key words: factor VIII:C, antithrombin III, healthy men, maximal exercise, maximal oxygen consumption