This is the objective of a study currently being conducted at the University Hospital of Liège and other universities. Sweat could thus replace blood in the analysis of the health of athletes and high-level sportsmen. Because perspiration contains as many elements as blood. This would therefore make it possible to determine the peaks of fatigue of athletes and to adapt their training. In addition, sweat is easier to collect.
Sabine Wislet is a biologist at ULiège. She is the one leading this research. “Sweat is actually as complex as blood” she explains. “Initially, we thought that sweat was essentially water, and then we realized that ultimately, there are antibodies, markers just like we would find in the blood, and these are indicators that we analyze more specifically.”
“The aim of the study is to be able to present a predictive model for high-level athletes in relation to overtraining, in relation to the potential risks of injuries.” continues the biologist. “That is the ultimate goal of this project, but we are still far from it. For the moment, we are in the early stages of the project.”
Currently, the CHU teams are trying to establish standards. They are also looking for women to continue their analyses. Listen to Sabine Wislet on this subject.
