Abstract

*Erhunmwunse R. U. and Ekpemu L. O.

ABSTRACT

Background: Aerobic exercise has varying effects on iron profiles and haematological indices, which can have a favorable or detrimental impact on individual health. Materials and Methods: This pre-post study evaluated the levels of serum total iron (TI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and some haematological parameters [(Red blood cell count (RBC), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)] amongst young undergraduates exposed to 3 weeks of aerobic (skipping rope) exercise. Thirty (30) male and female participants aged 18-35 years were recruited for the study using simple random sampling method. Participants were exposed to skipping rope exercise 30 minutes four times a week for three weeks (21days). Fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline (pre-exercise samples; day 0) and after exercise (post-exercise samples; day 22) for determination of serum TI, TIBC, and haematological indices using standard methods. Body mass index (BMI) and Blood pressure (BP) were also determined while structured questionnaires were used to obtain other relevant data of the participants including age and gender. Results: Significant increases in mean levels of total iron (55.69±10.92 Vs. 45.96±6.45; p = 0.001), TIBC (232.32±12.47 Vs. 216.34±12.50; p = 0.001), RBC (4.60±.63 Vs 4.17±.86; p = 0.031), MCH (32.39±2.58 Vs. 28.83±2.59; p = 0.001), and MCHC (366.23±11.39 Vs. 329.03±15.99; p = 0.001) were observed after the intervention compared to before exercise. There were no significant differences in the mean levels of BMI, SBP, DBP, and MCV post-exercise compared to pre-exercise values (p>0.05). Also, BMI Vs. Total iron (r = 0.401; p = 0.028), SBP Vs Total iron (r = 0.416; p = 0.022), MCV Vs. MCH (r = 0.921; p = 0.001), and MCH Vs. MCHC (r = 0.403; p = 0.027) were positively correlated in post-exercise subjects. Conclusion: This study revealed that short-term aerobic exercise improved blood iron, TIBC, and haematological indices.