Characteristics of Changes in Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Wrestling Athletes

Hematological and biochemical blood parameters indicate both the degree of adaptation of the body of athletes to physical activity and the imbalance between body’s adaptation capabilities and the loads imposed. This study investigates the balance of hematological and biochemical blood indicators in professional wrestlers (sambo, freestyle wrestling, and Greco-Roman wrestling). Sambo wrestlers were characterized by the highest counts of peripheral blood leukocytes. All wrestlers had higher counts of monocytes and granulocytes compared to the control group. Athletes specializing in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling had the highest blood hemoglobin values due to the increased average hemoglobin content in erythrocyte. Subjects of the control group had the smallest platelet count. The groups also exhibited differences in the shape and size of blood cells. The groups did not differ in the blood contents of transferases (ALT and ACT), while all athletes had higher levels of alkaline phosphatase. Wrestlers were characterized by a higher content of blood triglycerides, while cholesterol levels did not differ significantly between the groups. Sambo wrestlers had the highest level of creatinine. Testosterone content in athletes was lower than in the control group; this decrease was the least in freestyle wrestlers. The contents of cortisol, Т4, and TSH in athletes were higher than in the control group. At the same time, wrestlers had reduced levels of Т3, testosterone, and vitamin D. All these results suggested that physical loads were inadequate to the body’s adaptive capabilities and/or that physical activity and nutrient intake were not balanced.