Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 Coagulation system activation in response to physical activity is already to some extent determined and known, but the effect of eccentric contraction exercise on its activation is not specified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a single session eccentric resistance exercise on some coagulation factors of inactive males.

 Materials and Methods

 Twelve male students volunteered to participate in this study and were divided randomly to experimental and control groups. Experimental group performed a controlled return movement from elbow flexion exercise as eccentric contraction. Blood sampling was implemented 30 min before, and immediately after exercise test it was also done 2 and 24 h after the exercise test.

 Results

 Statistical analysis revealed that plasma fibrinogen elevated significantly over 24 h after test (pre: 2.56 ± 0.23 and 24h post: 2.84 ± 0.24). Prothrombin time did not change significantly but significant decrease was found over 24 h after test for activated partial thromboplastin time (pre: 43.05 ± 3.33 and 24h post: 26.65 ± 0.61). Platelet counts and its indices did not change significantly.

 Conclusions

 Eccentric exercise as defined in our research somehow caused a blood coagulation increase and this activation is probably accomplished through intrinsic pathways and not extrinsic ones. It showed a decrease in activated partial thromboplastin time, without any change in prothrombin time. Insignificant changes in plasma fibrinogen, platelet and its morphologic indices could be related to both inclusion of low volume of muscles and eccentric type of contraction.