Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different exercise loads (short, medium and long swimming distances) on apelin levels and some physical and hematologic parameters of male professional swimmers. Materials and methods Apelin levels, hematologic parameters, whole blood values and physical measurements, including body mass index (BMI), aerobic power values and anaerobic power values, were also obtained. Results It was determined that the thrombocyte, erythrocyte and leukocyte values from the hematologic parameters increased after exercise (p < 0.05). According to the results, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the pretest apelin level (2090.75 pg/mg) and the apelin levels taken after swimming M 200 m (4260.43 pg/mg) and after swimming L 400 m (3694.4 pg/mg). Conclusions The different exercise loads had significant effects on the hematologic parameters and apelin values in the swimmers. The study also determined the relationships between swimming exercises and aerobic and anaerobic capacity and BMI.
Keywords: BMI; apelin; hematologic parameters; swimming performance.