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SCT & Athletics

Post-workout man with towel, water bottle, phone, and list of health tips.
Hydration & Pacing

Staying hydrated is a top priority for athletes, and even more so for athletes with Sickle Cell Trait.

2-Way Communication

Talk with your coach if you have sickle cell trait to prevent exercise-related illness and stay safe and healthy while engaging in physical activity.

Rest & Recovery

Athletes with Sickle Cell Trait may take longer to recover and experience prolonged fatigue.

Sickling Symptoms

Noticeable symptoms include: muscle fatigue and muscle pain; slouching or muscle failure; inability to catch one’s breath; and prolonged fatigue.

Heat & Altitude

Higher altitudes and more intense heat can affect the flow of oxygen and level of hydration in athletes.

Sickle Cell Trait and Athletes

Participating in regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. This is true for everyone, including those with Sickle Cell Trait (SCT). You just have to be aware of the warning signs and complications of exercise-related illness, listen to your body, and take steps to protect yourself.

Persons who have Sickle Cell Trait can become strong and exceptional athletes in any sport while still avoiding harmful symptoms. Sickle Cell Trait can be very serious to consider when it comes to high-intensity sports. Both Coaches and Athletes need to have basic knowledge of how Sickle Cell Trait can manifest during strenuous activity to avoid serious and possibly fatal issues.

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Hydration & Pacing

Staying hydrated is a top priority for athletes, and even more so for athletes with Sickle Cell Trait. High-caffeine energy drinks should be avoided, as they can contribute to dehydration. So stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The effects of dehydration are harmful and can be fatal for all persons.

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Rest & Recovery

Even while well-hydrated, athletes with Sickle Cell Trait can develop issues from the consistent strenuous activity of different exercises causing Exertional Sickling. Without proper rest and the right pacing, muscle failure is more likely to occur and athletes have been known to collapse.

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Heat & Altitude

Outside environments also play a large role in Exertional Sickling for carriers of Sickle Cell Trait. Higher altitudes and more intense heat can affect the flow of oxygen and level of hydration in athletes. High altitudes can inhibit the flow of oxygen and cause tissue death in vital organs such as the spleen.

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Sickling Symptoms

Symptoms that can be noticeable for athletes with Sickle Cell Trait can include muscle fatigue and muscle pain, slouching or muscle failure, inability to catch one’s breath, and prolonged fatigue. These symptoms are not something to “power through” if you have Sickle Cell Trait because it can prove to be life-threatening if pushed too far past the edge.

2-Way Communication

An athlete should always communicate their physical condition to their coach if they feel they are experiencing intense symptoms of Sickle Cell Trait. Coaches should frequently ask about an athlete’s condition if they know that they have Sickle Cell Trait and allow for needed hydration and recovery.

Resources

Here are a collection of resources to increase your understanding of how to help athletes who have SCT stay safe and healthy.

For Athletes

Fact Sheet: Don’t get sidelined by Sickle Cell Trait!
Play it safe with these helpful tips!

Download in EnglishDownload in Spanish

For Coaches

Fact Sheet: Don’t let your athletes get sidelined
by Sickle Cell Trait! Help them play it safe with these helpful tips!

Download in EnglishDownload in Spanish