Does the Pattern of Repeated Sprint Ability Differ between Sickle Cell Trait Carriers and Healthy Subjects?

Abstract

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is a genetic abnormality affecting the synthesis of normal haemoglobin [Hb] and is the heterozygous form of sickle cell anaemia. The aim of the present study was to compare the ability to repeat maximal cycling sprints (RSA; repeated sprint ability) between SCT carriers (SCT group, n = 7) and a control group with normal haemoglobin [Hb] (n = 7). The two groups performed a 10-s maximal cycling sprint in order to determine the peak power output (P_peak10). They then performed an RSA test that consisted of five 6-s maximal cycling sprints interspersed with 24 s of passive recovery. For each sprint, the peak power output (P_peak6) and the work over the 6-s (W₆) were calculated. The sum of each W₆ developed during the test was considered to be the total work (W_tot). The decrements over the repeated sprints for P_peak6 (P_6dec) and W₆ (W_6dec) were also determined. We found no difference in P_peak10, W_tot and W_6dec between the two groups. However, the drop in P_peak6 and W₆ during the RSA test appeared earlier in the SCT group and the decrease in P_peak6 over the RSA test was greater in the SCT group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that: 1) maximal anaerobic performance determined during a single sprint was not altered by SCT, but 2) repeated sprint ability was different in SCT carriers compared with sportsmen with normal Hb.

Maximal intermittent cycling exercise - haemoglobinopathy - exercise limitation - haemoglobin S

References

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