Impact of physical effort on von Willebrand factor’s activity and concentration in blood

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: Physical exercise causes a wide range of physiological changes including the production and release of haemostasis regulating factors. One of these factors is von Willebrand factor (vWf)- a glycoprotein responsible for both platelet adhesion and coagulation cascade. Material and Methods: The impact of physical effort on von Willebrand’s factor’s concentration (vWf:Ag) and activity (vWf:CBA) underwent analysis in the group of 42 people (22 men and 20 women) aged 19-22 (mean 20, SD 8 months). Physical effort was induced by 35 minutes of swimming in indoor swimming pool. Results: Physical exercise in form of swimming causes an increase of Willebrand’s factor’s concentration in the blood. Effects size noted in the above studied sample was large. Moreover, interaction of sex and physical exercise seems to be a significant factor in Willebrand’s factor’s concentration, which seems to be lower in males after physical exercise test in form of swimming. Conclusions: Even a moderate exercise significantly increases vWf levels and changes coagulation parameters.