Fibrinolytic and hemostatic changes during and after maximal exercise in males.

To evaluate changes in fibrinolytic activity, factor VIII and other hematological variables during and after a progressive step increment in work load, 10 healthy male subjects (22-27 yr of age) were exercised to exhaustion on an electromagnetic bicycle ergometer. Blood samples were drawn serially throughout the experiment. Little change in fibrinolytic activity was observed before 70-80% maximum heart rate (MHR) was achieved. Major changes occurred after 80% MHR. Peak values coincided with maximum exercise. In contrast major changes in factor VIII were observed between 95 and 100% MHR with peak values occurring 5-10 min postexercise. An increase in white blood cell count, platelet count, and retention was observed at maximum exercise. One individual failed to demonstrate an increase in either fibrinolytic or factor VIII activity. Relating the data to either the percent maximal oxygen uptake or percent maximal heart rate demonstrates the importance of the exercise protocol and exerting all subjects to the same relative level of physiological work.