Effects of exercise on coagulation profile and platelets indices among apparently healthy individuals

Background Exercise is a term used to refer to structured forms of physical activity for the purpose of gaining or maintaining fitness. One of the major systems of the body that is affected by physical exercise is blood coagulation. Aim In this study, we assess the association between exercise and death occurring during exercise through coagulation profile and platelet indices. Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 120 blood samples were collected from healthy individuals (60 samples before exercise and 60 samples after exercise). Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were evaluated using HUMA Coagulometer, and platelet count, mean platelet volume was evaluated using Sysmex XP-300. Results Insignificant increased in prothrombin time between pre-exercise and postexercise (13.4 ± 1.6 vs. 15.2 ± 15.8, respectively, P =0.368). However, the study noted a significant decreased in APTT between pre-exercise and postexercise (31.9 ± 3.15 vs. 2.32 ± 2.60, respectively, P =0.000). Additionally, our findings show a significant increase in platelet count between pre-exercise and postexercise (336.4 ± 99.38 vs. 343.3 ± 98.99, respectively, P =0.000). Although, the results show insignificant decreased in mean platelet volume between pre-exercise and postexercise (23.6 ± 115.7 vs. 8.8 ± 1.2, respectively, P =0.327). Conclusion There is a notable reduction in APTT and a large increase in PLT count following exercise compared with pre-exercise levels. Based on these findings, the individual engaging in exercise may possess an elevated risk of developing blood clots, which could subsequently elucidate fatalities occurring during or following physical activity.