Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the competitive period training on leukocytes, some leukocyte subgroups and C-reactive protein (CRP) in sportswomen playing in the professional handball league. The average age of the group was 20.6 ± 3.37 years, height average was 163 ± 6.30 cm, weight average was 58.73 ± 4.92 kg. Blood samples were taken before and after the training period of the competition. Subjects rested for 48 h until taking blood samples. Subsequently, leukocytes, some leukocyte subgroups and CRP were determined. Leukocytes and leukocyte subgroups were determined using a Roche Sismex 2000XL device. CRP was determined using Beckman immunochemistry systems in-vitro diagnostic kits and nephelometric methods (Beckman Coulter Array 360 System, USA). Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test. p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. In this study no significant difference was found on WBC and granulocyte values between pre and post training period. However, significant differences in lymphocyte values were measured. After training period, lymphocytes declined (p<0.05), but no significant differences in monocyte levels were determined. CRP values after the training period were significantly decreased (p<0.05), as compared to pre training values. We can conclude that competition period training did not significantly affect the cellular immune elements, but caused a significant decrease on CRP values, which are markers in chronic inflammation.

Key words: Training, immune component, C- reactive protein, female athlete.