Isometric exercise is a popular form of physical activity for many people. Only few
studies exist on the effects of this type of exercise on the hemostatic system. Eleven
male healthy subjects (21 - 42 years) of varying fitness levels were investigated
before, immediately after and 10 min after strenuous isometric exercise of the dominant
arm. Blood samples were drawn by repetitive puncture from both the exercising and
the contralateral arm. The following variables were studied: Prothrombin time and
partial thromboplastin time as group tests for the plasmatic coagulation system; platelet
count as well as p-selectin expression for the platelet system; tissue plasminogen
activator (t-PA) activity and antigen for the fibrinolytic system. The partial thromboplastin
time was shortened immediately after maximal isometric exercise of the dominant arm,
the prothrombin time remained unchanged. No change was found in the platelet count,
but a marked p-selectin expression was observed immediately after maximal isometric
exercise of the dominant arm (p < 0.05) and even in the resting contralateral arm.
Values returned to baseline after 10 min. There was a slight increase of t-PA antigen
concentration and white blood cell count at maximal isometric contraction which did
not occur in the resting arm, although changes over the 3 time points were significant
in both arms. Maximal isometric exercise leads to platelet activation in both arms,
a slight aPTT decrease and t-PA antigen increase in local blood stream. As compensatory
fibrinolytic changes do not occur, it is an open question whether isometric exercise
increases the potential risk of thromboembolism.
Key words:
Isometric exercise, p-selectin, hemostatic system.
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Prof. Dr. Lothar Röcker
Dept. of Physiology
Lutherstraße 3 12167 Berlin Germany
Phone: Phone:+ 49 (30) 80903006
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