Detraining Decreases Hb_mass of Triathletes

Abstract

Haemoglobin mass (Hb_mass) determination using CO rebreathing may assist to detect illegal blood doping practices, however variations in Hb_mass with periods of intensive training and detraining must be quantified. This study aimed to determine the effect of a 30-day period of detraining on Hb_mass in ultra-endurance triathletes. 9 male recreational triathletes (29–44 years) participated in the study. Hb_mass was assessed using CO rebreathing 30 days and 10 days before an ultra-endurance triathlon and after ~10, 20 and 30 days of detraining following the race. V˙O_2max was assessed 10 days before the race and also after the 30-day detraining period, which consisted of an 87% reduction in training hours. After 30-days of detraining there was a 3.1% decrease in mean Hb_mass from 868±99 to 840±94 g, (p=0.03), and a 4.7% decrease in mean V˙O_2max from 4.83±0.29 to 4.61±0.41 L/min as well as a 2.8% increase of body mass from 75.1±6.4 to 77.1±6.1 kg and a 28% increase in skinfold total from 43.9±14.2 to 55.1±14.0 mm. Individual decreases in Hb_mass following detraining would need to be considered if using Hb_mass for anti-doping purposes.

Key words

erythropoesis - training - anti doping

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