Role of Sports in Modulating Blood Parameters among Undergraduate Allied Health Students in Tripura

Regular engagement in sports is known to influence hematological and immunological responses, yet sex-specific effects among undergraduate allied health students remain underexplored. This study investigated the impact of sports participation on blood parameters and leukocyte distribution in male and female undergraduate allied health students in Tripura. A total of 88 students (44 boys, 44 girls) were assessed for anthropometric, physiological, and hematological parameters before and after participation in sports activity. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), total red blood cell (TRBC) count, Total leukocyte count (TLC), and Differential leukocyte count (DLC) were estimated. Data were expressed as mean ± SE and analyzed using paired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Boys exhibited greater height, body mass, and aerobic performance compared to girls. Post sports activity, RBC counts increased significantly in both sexes, with a higher percentage rise in boys (3.15 ± 0.55%) than girls (2.75 ± 0.40%). Girls demonstrated significant increases in Hb and hematocrit, while boys showed stable Hb levels. WBC counts rose in both groups, more prominently in girls (+43.75%), indicating a stronger stress-induced leukocytosis. Subtype analysis revealed greater lymphocyte mobilization in girls, whereas boys displayed stronger neutrophil responses. Eosinophil and monocyte percentages declined in both groups. Sports participation induces significant hematological and immunological changes in allied health students, with clear sex-specific patterns. While boys exhibited stronger erythrocyte and neutrophil responses, girls showed greater lymphocyte, hematocrit, and hemoglobin adaptations. These findings highlight the role of sports in modulating blood parameters and support its integration into student health promotion strategies.