The effects of acute high intensity interval training on hematological parameters and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio in elite taekwondo athletes according to gender

Introduction and aim. Intense taekwondo (TKD) training, it is important to know the exercise-induced hematological and inflammatory conditions and to develop conditions suitable for physiological needs. The aim of study is to investigate the effects of TKD-specific training containing a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) component hematological parameters and on systemic inflammatory biomarkers between gender. Material and methods. The research was carried out with twenty-four elite TKD athletes (12 female, 12 male). 90 minutes of TKD-specific unit training, including 50 minutes of HIIT component was applied to the athletes. Hematological parameters included erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes and their subgroups and inflammatory biomarkers. Results. With the effect of TKD-specific HIIT, erythrocytes and hematocrit values decreased regardless of gender (p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). Platelet values decreased in male and increased in female (p=0.637). White blood cells and neutrophil (p<0.001) and inflammatory biomarkers neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocytes ratio PLR (p<0.001, p=0.022, respectively) increased regardless of gender. Lymphocyte decreased marginally significantly (p=0.059). Conclusion. This study showed that TKD-specific HIIT increased systemic inflammatory conditions and decreased oxygen-carrying blood parameters. These fundamental findings can contribute to training science in arranging a specific taekwondo training program and sports medicine in protecting the health of athletes.