If you plan to give blood,contact your host site or organization prior to setting up your appointment to learn what you can expect before, during and after your donation. Many organizations recommend that you wait at least a few hours after your appointment before resuming exercise, but suggestions may vary depending on the type and intensity of your physical activity.
Blood Donation
Your blood is composed of formed elements, which include red blood cells, and plasma, which is the fluid portion. Your red blood cells carry oxygen to the various areas of your body, including your working muscles during exercise. When you donate one unit of blood, you typically lose 8 to 10 percent of your total blood volume. This means that your body's ability to transport oxygen may be affected. Your plasma levels normally return to pre-donation levels within a couple of days, especially if you stay hydrated. The formed elements can take up to six weeks or more to return to normal levels, which is why you have to wait a period before you can donate again.
General Exercise
The American Red Cross suggests that blood donors wait at least five hours after their appointment to participate in strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. Based on this suggestion, you may be able to participate in some light to moderate aerobic activity shortly after donating. However, it is important that you follow the advice of the American Red Cross and drink plenty of fluids before and after your appointment to make up for your lost blood plasma. Exercising while dehydrated is not recommended.
Performance
If you are training for an endurance event, your aerobic performance may be affected after your blood donation. Endurance training relies highly on your body's ability to carry and use oxygen to create energy. If your oxygen-carrying capacity has been lowered and your plasma levels are also reduced, you may not be able to perform at your optimal level. Elite athletes may see a difference in performance until their red blood cells return to pre-donation levels. Avoid scheduling a blood donation within one to two months of your event.
Considerations
If you feel dizzy or lightheaded during or after post-donation exercise, lie down and elevate your feet. Make sure that you are drinking fluids and contact your donation center or health-care provider if you are concerned about any symptoms. Many blood donors find that they need to reduce the intensity or the duration of their first few post-donation exercise sessions.
References
- American Red Cross: Tips for a Successful Donation
- "American Heart Journal"; Effects of Blood Donation on Exercise Performance in Competitive Cyclists; Robert A. Panebianco et al.; March 1995
- "International Journal of Sports Medicine"; Influence of Blood Donation on Oxygen Uptake Kinetics During Moderate and Heavy Intensity Cycle Exercise; D. Gordon et al.; 2010
- "Physiology of Sport and Exercise: Fourth Edition"; Jack Wilmore, David Costill and W. Kenney; 2008
