Abstract
Hemostasis is the ability of the body to control blood loss following vascular injury.
The process is composed of a complex array of pathways made up of the coagulation
and fibrinolytic systems that allow the fluid blood to clot after injury and then
the subsequent breakdown of the clot, permitting repair of the injured tissue. Studies
to date have shown exercise to be a stimulating factor in both the coagulation and
fibrinolytic pathways. Additionally, air travel has been shown to be a risk factor
for thrombosis. However, few studies have examined the combination of exercise and
air travel on hemostasis, despite documented evidence of venous thrombotic episodes
in the sports and endurance (marathon/triathlon) communities. This review summarizes
and analyzes the literature with regard to (1) acute and chronic exercise, (2) air
travel, and (3) exercise and air travel. In addition, the review examines confounding
variables that may contribute to coagulation and strategies to prevent blood clot
formation after exercise and during air travel.
Keywords
coagulation - fibrinolysis - exercise - air travel
