Author(s)

Jean Georges André Moulongo^1*, Elvina Lys Surêche Massamba², Jean Martin Moussoki¹, Mathias Cyriaque Ndalla³, Didier Pambou Moussitou¹, Jacques N’gbandzo On’esala⁴, Christophe Pela Lola⁴, Bernard Packa Tchissambou¹, Alphonse Massamba¹

¹Laboratory of Sport Biosciences, Higher Institute of Physical and Sport Education, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo.
²Laboratory Health and Adapted Physical Activities, Higher Institute of Physical and Sport Education, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo.
³Biomedical Analyses Center, Makelekele, Brazzaville, Congo.
⁴Department of Human Motricity Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, National Teaching University, Kinshasa, Congo.

Background: Measurement of haematological parameters has been historically helpful in the diagnosis of many diseases in endurance sportsmen. The modifications of these parameters during endurance race have not yet been evaluated in many African countries. Objectives: To determine haematological values before and immediately after a half-marathon event, as well as within 24 hours after the race and to analyze the changes observed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 to 21 August 2018 at Brazzaville, Congo. All measurements were confined to 76 male participants (39 specialists vs 37 no specialists of endurance race) in the Brazzaville half-marathon (21.1 km), aged between 19 - 39 years (mean age: 26.7 ± 2.6 years). Coulter profiles with differential white cell counts and haptoglobin levels were determined in venous sample before and after competitive half-marathon race. The same measurements were performed during the 24 hrs following the competition. Results: In the pre-race sample, mild anemia was detected in 12 subjects and mild thrombocytopenia in 7 subjects. Haptoglobin levels were reduced in 5 subjects. Haematological values, all post-race, varied significantly before and after race, particularly for RBC, Hb, Hct, PLT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, monocyte counts, basophil counts, eosinophil counts and haptoglobin. These differences between specialists and no specialists were statistically (p < 0.05). During 24 h after race, the major changes involved a progressive and significant increase in MCH and MCHC, but a decrease in Hb, Hct, WBC and leukocyte values. Conclusion: Our data may help sport physicians, sport physiologists and trainers to better follow-up haematological reactions associated with the half-marathon race.

Haematology, Half-Marathon Running, Haptoglobin, African Black, Congo

Moulongo, J. , Massamba, E. , Moussoki, J. , Ndalla, M. , Moussitou, D. , On’esala, J. , Lola, C. , Tchissambou, B. and Massamba, A. (2019) Haematological Changes of Half-Marathon Runners in the Sub-Saharan African Environment. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 7, 96-110. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2019.79009.