Article
Changes in thrombus resistance following physical activity in subjects 65 years old and over
Search Medline for
Authors
Published: | December 18, 2006 |
---|
Outline
Text
Introduction
In this day and age, given the improved medical care, our society was able to increase the people’s lifespan. Most of the economically advanced countries now have a generally aged population, and a noticeable part of the medical society is focusing on trying to prevent as much as possible, rather than treat, a lot of the cardio-vascular morbidities in this age group (and not only), by promoting a healthy lifestyle, with increased physical activity.
Objectives
Since in the older patients, the primary disabling pathology and cause of death are the cardio-vascular thrombotic / ischemic accidents, this study is trying to determine if physical activity can induce any noticeable changes in thrombus resistance and aggressiveness, potentially harmful or benefic for the health of this group.
Materials and methods
The study was performed on two fairly homogenous groups of 14 people each, all volunteers (one group being the witness group), age between 65 and 75 years old, 6 males and 8 females in each group, with no prior history of a heart, hematological or vascular condition, and found to be in good health at the clinical examination (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory volumes within normal range for their age group). Also, laboratory findings were within normal range (Hb, Ht, fibrinogen, platelet count, Howell time), and neither of them was on blood thinning medication of any sort. The study was performed over a three month period, the study group performing three standardized training sessions per week, the determination of the clot resistance being performed 1h after the last training session of the week. The determinations were made using a prototype device “trombresistometer”, BI 114836/30.03.2000, the results being expressed in trombresistometric units (TRU).
Results
The initial determinations for both groups were at an average of 220 TRU(only one case at 245TRU, and one at 210TRU), regardless of sex. After one week of training (3 training sessions) a slight increase in the clot resistivity was noticed, the values increasing with aprox. 15 units, at mean values of 235TRU. Further training though, successfully brought these values down, slightly under the initial determination, with a mean value of 210 TRU.
Conclusions
Even though all the values throughout the study remained within normal range (200-300TRU), it appears that inconstant, occasional physical activity could be potentially dangerous, resulting in an increase in clot aggressiveness, while on the contrary, habitual physical activity is beneficial.
References
- 1.
- Traila A, Sfredel V. Registered patent Brevet of Invention. No. 114836/30.03.2000. Romanian Office for Inventions.
- 2.
- Sfredel V, Traila A, Danoiu S, Traila H. ,,The variations of the fibrinresistometrical values according to the centrifugation duration’’. Physiology. 2004;14. supplement of the Romanian Physiology Society magazine.