Removal of the influence of plasma volume fluctuations for the athlete biological passport and stability of haematological variables in active women taking oral contraception.

The haematological module of the athlete biological passport (ABP) monitors longitudinal haematological variations that could be indicative of blood manipulation. This study applied a multi-parametric model previously validated in elite cyclists to compare inferred and actual PV variations, whereas the potential influence of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) cycle on the ABP blood biomarkers and plasma volume (PV) in 14 physically active women taking OCPs was also investigated. Blood and serum samples were collected each week for 8 weeks, and the ABP haematological variables were determined according to the World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines.

Hematological variables in recreational breath-hold divers: a longitudinal study.

Background: The influence of regular breath-hold training on hematological variables is not fully understood. We monitored hematological variables in breath-hold divers (BHDs) and active controls over a year expecting both breath-hold training and seasonal effects.

Methods: In 11 recreational BHDs (36±9 years, 177±8 cm, 72±9 kg) and 12 active controls (22±2 years, 174±8 cm, 70±13 kg) monthly blood samples were analyzed with the hematological module of WADA's athlete biological passport.

The Influence of Training Load on Hematological Athlete Biological Passport Variables in Elite Cyclists.

The hematological module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is used in elite sport for antidoping purposes. Its aim is to better target athletes for testing and to indirectly detect blood doping. The ABP allows to monitor hematological variations in athletes using selected primary blood biomarkers [hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and reticulocyte percentage (Ret%)] with an adaptive Bayesian model to set individual upper and lower limits.

Does body position before and during blood sampling influence the Athlete Biological Passport variables?

Introduction: The Athlete's Biological Passport (ABP) is a tool for the indirect detection of blood doping. Guidelines from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) require a 2 hours delay after any physical exercise, and to be seated for 10 minutes before collecting an ABP sample. This study investigated posture-related hematological variations with changes in body position during blood sampling.

[The necessary dialogue between medicine and anti-doping for the integrity of sport and the athlete].

In the light of recurring anti-doping news, this article discusses some special cases and extends to the future prospects of developing effective anti-doping strategies. After recalling the current principles of the fight against doping, the use of substances tole-rated at a certain threshold, and the therapeutic use exemptions (TUE) are discussed. Authorized substances with a health risk for athletes are discussed before concluding on the development of the athlete's biological passport as a future common ground for anti-doping and medical follow-up of athletes.

Heart rate recovery of individuals undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after acute coronary syndrome.

Background: An efficient cardiac rehabilitation programme (CRP) can improve the functional ability of patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Objective: To examine the effect of a CRP on parasympathetic reactivation and heart rate recovery (HRR) measured after a 6-min walk test (6MWT), and correlation with 6MWT distance and well-being after ACS.

Methods: Eleven normoweight patients after ACS (BMI<25kg/m; 10 males; mean [SD] age 61 [9] years) underwent an 8-week CRP.