The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physical training on red blood cell properties, in particular red cell 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate (2, 3-DPG) and aerobic work capacity. The subjects were 28 healthy men and they were divided into three groups: Group 1 (12 athletes-long distance runners, cross country skiers performing daily aerobic training), Group 2 (8 athletes-sprinters (400 m), alpine skiers playing aerobic and anaerobic training every day) and Control (8 untrained persons) .
The results obtained were as follows:
1) In aerobic work capacity (VO₂max/w, O₂ pulse max) there was significant difference (p<0.01) among 3 groups (Group 1>Group 2>Control) .
2) Red blood cell properties (RBC, Hb, Hct) of each group showed no significant difference. However MCH, MCHC of Group 1 was significantly lower than Group 2 and Control, MCV was also a tendency to be lower. Red cell 2, 3-DPG concentration was significantly higher in Group 1, 2 as compared with Control. But there was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2.
3) Red cell distribution curve of Group 1 tended to shift to the left in comparison with other two groups.
4) The relationship between VO₂max/w and red cell 2, 3-DPG significantly correlated for all subjects composing the three groups. In addition a significant correlation was found for Group 1.