The effect of blood donation on the talk test responses in recreationally active men

Abstract

The Talk Test (TT) is a valid method of evaluating exercise intensity as well as exercise prescription. It has been widely studied as surrogate to the ventilatory threshold (VT). Blood donation highly effects exercise intensity due to a significant drop in hemoglobin (Hgb). Purpose: To investigate TT responses 3 days and 21 days post a blood donation (475ml). Methods: Recreationally fit college-aged males (N=13) performed a baseline TT and then were instructed to donate blood at local blood donation center. They performed the same TT 3 days and 21 days post blood donation. Results: There was no significant change in TT responses 3 days and 21 days post blood donation. Hemoglobin significantly dropped 3 days post blood donation but returned to baseline levels 21 days later. Conclusion: A standard unit of blood donation does not affect TT responses. In order to see significant change a larger blood loss is required.