The Impact of Moderate Physical Exercise on the Rheological and Biochemical Properties of Blood in Osteoarthritis Patients Who Are Regular Winter Swimmers

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of moderate physical exercise on selected blood parameters in regular winter swimmers who suffer from osteoarthritis. The study covered a period of 6 months, from November to April, and was carried out on 17 women and 22 men. The participants were divided into 4 groups: Female CWI – women who only immersed themselves in cold water, Female CWI + PE – women who exercised in addition to water immersion, Male CWI – men who only immersed themselves in cold water, and Male CWI + PE – men, who exercised in addition to water immersion. Venous blood was collected twice, before and after the exercise program. A statistically significant decrease in fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, T ½ , and AMP was observed in the blood of people who did not take part in the physical exercise program while a significant decrease in cortisol levels was observed in the people who participated in the exercise program in addition to cold water immersion. In terms of rheological parameters, a significant increase in the elongation index (EI) of erythrocytes from shear stress 2.19 Pa in all groups was observed. There were no statistically significant changes in AI in all groups. Physical activity has an influence on the blood parameters of elderly winter swimmers suffering from osteoarthritis.