Author(s): Khushbu Sisodiya and Brij Kishore Prasad

Abstract:

Background: Field hockey is an intermittent, high-intensity team sport that imposes significant physiological stress, yet little is known about the acute inflammatory and immune responses of elite female players. Biomarkers such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), White Blood Cell (WBC) count, and the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) provide valuable insight into these processes.

Aim: This study investigated pre- and post-match changes in CRP, WBC count, and NLR in elite female field hockey athletes.

Methods: Thirty national-level female field hockey players (aged 18-25 years) participated. Venous blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 24 hours after an official competitive match. CRP was quantified using an automated immunoturbidimetric assay, while WBC counts and differentials were analysed with an automated haematology analyser to calculate NLR. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired-sample t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated to assess the magnitude of change.

Results: Significant increases were observed across all biomarkers post-match. CRP rose from 0.89±0.26 to 3.55±1.39 mg/L (t = 11.89, p<0.001, d = 2.17), WBC increased from 6.28±0.52 to 7.77 ± 1.01 ×10⁹/L (t = 8.63, p<0.001, d = 1.57), and NLR rose from 1.67±0.28 to 2.73±0.67 (t = 9.24, p<0.001, d = 1.69).

Conclusion: A single competitive field hockey match induces marked elevations in CRP, WBC count, and NLR, reflecting acute inflammatory and immune activation. These findings highlight the physiological burden of match-play and underscore the importance of structured recovery strategies to optimise performance and safeguard health. The study also provides much needed baseline data for female athletes, addressing the underrepresentation of women in sports science. Future research should extend these findings by adopting longitudinal approaches across competitive seasons and examining additional biomarkers of stress and recovery.

DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2025.v12.i4g.3937

Pages: 455-457  |  165 Views  76 Downloads

Download Full Article: Click Here