Red Blood Cell Reinfusion

Red blood cells (RBC) reinfusion is a procedure that was commonly used in the 1972
and 1976 Olympics. The procedure is done by drawing a person’s blood. The plasm is
removed and then reinfused. Every removal occurs over 3 to 8 weeks to prevent the dramatic
reduction in the blood cell concentration. The procedure helps by boosting the hematocrit and
hemoglobin levels by 8 to 20 percent (Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015). One advantage is the
the fact that it has been proven to improve performance. The method boosts hematologic
characteristics in both men and women. It increases the aerobic capacity. It also helps in
reducing the submaximal heart rate and blood lactate when performing a standard task
(Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015). RBC reinfusion also elevates endurance at sea level and a
high attitude. One of the main disadvantages of RBC reinfusion is the fact that it results in the
thickening of the blood. The heart is thus forced to work harder (Katch, McArdle, & Katch,
2015). The thickening of the blood puts one at increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and
stroke. Several cases of athletes have died as a result of the procedure have been reported
(Ambardekar, 2019.
Erythropoietin Injections
Erythropoietin (EPO)is a hormone that controls the production of red blood cells
(Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015). It is produced in the kidney and the liver. It acts on the
bone marrow red blood cell precursors. One benefit of erythropoietin injections is that they
help athletes to increase the level of red blood cells. An increase in the level of red blood
cells helps in the improvement of aerobic activity (Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015). One
major drawback is that if the EPO levels are too high, the body will produce a huge number
of red blood cells. The result is that blood may thicken, and this can result in blood clotting
and, in extreme cases, can cause heart attack and stroke. Repeated administration of EPO can

result in the development of antibodies that are directed towards countering the effects of
EPO, and this can result in anemia.
Warm-up
It is generally accepted that engaging in light physical activity before engaging in
vigorous physical activity poses various advantages (Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015). A
warm-up helps an athlete to prepare for intense physical activity. A warm-up is beneficial
since it helps an athlete to prepare physiologically and psychologically for the upcoming
event (Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015). A warm-up also helps minimize the possibility of
the athlete suffering from muscle or joint injury (Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015). A warm-
up is not associated with adverse effects. Instead, it is recommended that athletes at all levels
must ensure that they engage in a warm-up prior to engaging in physical activities that are
intense.
Hyperoxic Gas Inhalation
Athletes breathe gas that is enriched with oxygen or hyperoxic gas (Katch, McArdle,
& Katch, 2015). The gas is often inhaled during the time out or at halftime depending on the
nature of the competition. The procedure is thought to help enhance the oxygen capacity of
the blood. The procedure is also seen to facilitate exercise recovery (Katch, McArdle, &
Katch, 2015). One benefit is that breathing hyperoxic gas helps in boosting the hemoglobin’s
oxygen transport. Breathing hyperoxic gases also helps in increasing the level of oxygen that
is dissolved in blood plasma (Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015). The oxygen-carrying
capacity of blood is increased through breathing hyperoxic gas. One disadvantage is the fact
that prolonged exposure to hyperoxic gas can result in pulmonary and ocular toxicity.
Oxygen toxicity can create additional problems, including respiratory difficulties, and can
also result in damaged cell membranes (Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015).

How would you rank the procedures in terms of effectiveness and appropriateness for
an elite marathon runner in Denver, CO?
The first choice would be a warm-up. A warm-up remains the safest procedure that
can be used to boost an athlete’s performance (Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015). A warm-up
is not associated with any side effects and is an accepted procedure in all sporting activities.
The second choice is Hyperoxic gas inhalation. The third choice is RBC reinfusion. The
fourth choice is RBO injection (Katch, McArdle, & Katch, 2015).
Given the moderately high altitude of Denver, discuss which procedure(s) you would
recommend, if any, to the athlete.  
My recommendation would be for the athlete to ensure that they engage in the regular
warm-up. The athlete should ensure that they engage in warm-ups and ensure that they
exercise prior to the competition.

References

Katch, V., McArdle, W., & Katch, F. (2015). Essentials of exercise physiology. (5 th  ed.).
Retrieved from https://www.vitalsource.com/ 

Ambardekar, N. (2019). Blood Doping. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/fitness-
exercise/blood-doping#2