The study assessed the effect of 3-week intermittent hypoxic training on blood biochemical indicators (blood morphology, fibrinogen), blood rheological properties (erythrocyte deformability, aggregation), erythrocyte enzymatic activity (acetylcholinesterase), and maximal oxygen uptake in competitive rowers. Fourteen male rowers were divided into two equal groups: experimental, training on ergometers under normobaric hypoxia (FiO₂ = 16.0%), and control, training on ergometers under normoxia (FiO₂ = 21%). Fasting blood was taken before and after training. A significant between-group difference in neutrophil levels before training was noted and a significant decrease in white blood cells in the hypoxia group. Both groups exhibited an increase in elongation index. In the normoxia group, a significant increase in erythrocyte aggregation amplitude was revealed. No significant changes occurred in the other biochemical indicators or those evaluating erythrocyte metabolic activity. Normobaric hypoxia increased erythrocyte deformability, improving blood rheological properties. Maximal oxygen uptake significantly increased only in the experimental group.

The aim of this study was to examine and assess the impact of a series of 20 whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) treatments on the biochemical and rheological indices of blood in people with multiple sclerosis. In this prospective controlled study, the experimental group consisted of 15 women aged 34–55 (mean age, 41.53 ± 6.98 years) with diagnosed multiple sclerosis who underwent a series of whole-body cryotherapy treatments. The first control group consisted of 20 women with diagnosed multiple sclerosis. This group had no intervention in the form of whole-body cryotherapy. The second control group consisted of 15 women aged 30–49 years (mean age, 38.47 ± 6.0 years) without neurological diseases and other chronic diseases who also underwent the whole-body cryotherapy treatment. For the analysis of the blood indices, venous blood was taken twice (first, on the day of initiation of whole-body cryotherapy treatments and, second, after a series of 20 cryotherapy treatments). The blood counts were determined using an ABX MICROS 60 hematological analyzer (USA). The LORCA analyzer (Laser–Optical Rotational Cell Analyzer, RR Mechatronics, the Netherlands) was used to study the aggregation and deformability of erythrocytes. The total protein serum measurement was performed using a Cobas 6000 analyzer, Roche and a Proteinogram-Minicap Sebia analyzer. Fibrinogen determinations were made using a Bio-Ksel, Chrom-7 camera. Statistically significant differences and changes after WBC in the levels of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), elongation index, total extend of aggregation (AMP), and proteins (including fibrinogen) were observed. However, there was no significant effect of a series of 20 WBC treatments on changes in blood counts, rheology, and biochemistry in women with multiple sclerosis. Our results show that the use of WBC has a positive effect on the rheological properties of the blood of healthy women.

The importance of physical activity in preventing chronic cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and the role of exercise as an adjunct therapy are widely recognized. Triathlon is a typically endurance discipline. Prolonged and intensive exercise is known to cause changes in blood rheological properties and biochemical markers; sometimes athletes participating in strenuous competitions need medical attention. To understand the phenomena occurring in the body in such situations, we decided to study participants’ biomarkers after the XTERRA Poland 2017 triathlon competition. The study involved 10 triathletes. The XTERRA Poland 2017 event comprised 1500-m swimming, 36-km cycling, and 10-km mountain running. Blood samples were collected 2 days before, immediately after, and 16 h after the competition. Immediately after the race, white blood cells count, platelets, and uric acid levels were significantly (P < 0.001) increased; haematocrit, Na⁺, Cl^–, and IgA were decreased. On the following day, Na⁺, Cl^–, and C-reactive protein levels were significantly (P < 0.001) increased; white blood cells count, red blood cells count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, platelets, IgG, and IgA were decreased. Assessing rheological parameters such as erythrocyte deformability and aggregation is useful for monitoring adverse effects of intensive and exhaustive exercise. The study illustrates the change in blood rheological properties and biochemical markers after intensive physical effort. Despite these differences, the indicators were within the reference range for the general population, which may demonstrate normal body function in the studied triathletes.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a series of 20 whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) sessions and 20 winter swimming sessions on the lipid profile and selected adipokines. Materials/methods: The experimental group consisted of 30 people who underwent a series of WBC treatments and 30 people who underwent a winter swimming. The control group consisted of 30 people - without intervention. Study 1: on the day of the commencement of whole-body cryotherapy / at the beginning of the winter swimming season; and Study 2: after a series of 20 cryotherapy sessions / at the end of the winter swimming season. The control group was also tested twice (4-week break). There were 20 WBC treatments − 5 times a week (4 weeks) and 20 cold water baths - once a week (20 weeks). Results: A statistically significant increase in the concentration of adiponectin, resistin and leptin in women and resistin and leptin in men was observed after the winter swimming season. Differences were also found in the second study between the groups of women using WBC and the control group, as well as the groups of women swimming and the control group. In men, however, these differences were observed in WBC and the control group. The significance level of α = 0.05 was adopted in the analyzes. Conclusions: The use of WBC may changes in the lipid profile and selected adipokines in men. Regular winter swimming may changes of selected adipokines in both women and men.

Introduction. Demographic forecasts indicate the progressive aging process of societies in all countries worldwide. The extension of life span may be accompanied by deterioration of its quality resulting from a decrease in physical activity, mental or even social performance, and a deficit in certain chemical compounds responsible for proper functioning of the body. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a 12-week Nordic walking (NW) training intervention on the level of vitamin D in the blood and quality of life among women aged 65–74 years. Materials and methods. The study comprised 37 women aged 65–74 (x = 68.08, SD = 4.2). The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental group (NW), which consisted of 20 women who underwent an intervention in the form of Nordic walking training for 12 weeks, and the control group (C), including 17 women who underwent observation. In the experimental group, training sessions were held 3 times a week for 1 h. At that time, the C group was not subject to any intervention. The SF−36 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Vitamin D was assessed based on the results of biochemical blood tests. The analysed parameters were assessed twice-before and after the completed intervention or observation. Results. Comparison of the results regarding trials 1 and 2 allowed to note statistically significant improvement in quality of life for all health components and factors in the NW group. Analysis of vitamin D levels demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the NW group. In group C, no significant changes in the analysed parameters were observed. Conclusions. Regularly undertaking Nordic walking training significantly influences the improvement of self-evaluation regarding the components of physical and mental health, as well as the concentration of vitamin D in women aged 65–74 years.

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of a series of 20 whole body cryotherapy (WBC) sessions on iron levels and neuroplasticity biomarkers in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy women. Consent was obtained from the Bioethics Committee at the Regional Medical Chamber in Krakow (87/KBL/OIL/2018; 8 May 2018). The study was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001142921; 2 November 2020). The study included 30 people: 15 women with multiple sclerosis (mean age 41.53 ± 6.98 years) and 15 healthy women (mean age 38.47 ± 6.0 years). Both groups attended cryotherapy sessions. Venous blood was collected for analysis before the WBC session and after 20 sessions. In women with MS and healthy women, no significant effect of WBC on changes in the level biomarkers of neuroplasticity was found. There were also no statistically significant differences between the groups of the analyzed indices at the beginning of the study.