Schumacher, Y. O., Temme, J., Bueltermann, D., Schmid, A., Berg, A., & Dickhuth, H. H. (2003). The influence of endurance exercise on detection models for altered erythropoiesis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 694.

This study evaluated the effect of exercise on variables used for the indirect detection of EPO. Male professional cyclists (N = 23) were studied during a 5-day cycling race. Blood samples were obtained before and after each stage.

Hemoglobin and hematocrit were reduced significantly after each stage while iron increased. From day 1 to day 5, hemoglobin and hematocrit continued to be reduced further while iron continued increasing. EPO and blood volume also increased from day 1 to day 5.

Implication. The variables used for the indirect detection of EPO are partly influenced by exercise related inflammatory reactions and increased vascular volume.

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