Physical Activity, Exercise, and the Immune System: Three Lines of Research That Have Driven the Field

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 118-125
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A. Woods ◽  
Brandt D. Pence
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Prolonged Exercise ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽  
Exercise Immunology ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Exercise Induced

Exercise immunology is a relatively new discipline in the exercise sciences that seeks to understand how exercise affects the immune system and susceptibility to infectious and chronic diseases. This brief review will focus on three major observations that have driven the field to date including: (1) acute exercise-induced leukocytosis, (2) the observation that intense, prolonged exercise results in upper respiratory tract symptoms, and (3) the paradoxical effect of acute and chronic exercise on inflammation. This framework will be used to examine the mechanisms and implications behind these seminal observations. Data generally support the conclusion that moderate intensity exercise enhances immune function, whereas prolonged, intense exercise diminishes immune function.

scholarly journals Effect of Exercise Intensity on Cell-Mediated Immunity

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Katsuhiko Suzuki ◽  
Harumi Hayashida
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Short Duration ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Cell Mediated Immunity ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽  
Physical Strain ◽  
Low Intensity

Moderate-intensity exercise is considered to enhance immune function and to be useful for preventing acute upper respiratory infections and similar conditions. Many people practice low-intensity short-duration exercise with the expectation of a beneficial effect on immunocompetency. However, it is difficult to affirm the existence of definite evidence of such a benefit. In this article, we discuss the effects of low-intensity short-duration exercise on cell-mediated immunity, and contrast them to the effects of high-intensity and long-duration exercise. Whereas high-intensity exercise induces inflammation and reduces cell-mediated immune system function, low-intensity exercise does not appear to have a large effect on either inflammation or cell-mediated immune function. Low-intensity exercises such as walking and yoga, which are helpful to relieve stress, cannot be considered as harmful to the immune system. Although yoga was shown to impose fewer restrictions on breathing and physical strain, the evidence that yoga enhances cell-mediated immunity remains insufficient. Therefore, further studies are needed to examine the exercise mode that may be most effective for improvement of immune functions.

scholarly journals Postrace upper respiratory tract ‘infections' in ultramarathoners — infection, allergy or inflammation?

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
EM Peters
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Prolonged Exercise ◽  
Th2 Cells ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
T Helper ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Cellular Immune

Despite more than 20 years of research into mechanisms which could result in the increased predisposition of athletes to ‘infection' incidence following excessive and prolonged exercise, definitive explanations are not yet available. A strong temporal relationship between the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and immune system changes following excessive exercise load (EEL) have not been shown. T-helper cells are functionally polarised according to the cytokines which they produce. While exercise-induced upregulation of T-helper- 2 (TH2) cells and type 2 cytokines is indicative of enhanced activation of allergic responses, downregulation of T-helper-1 (TH1) cells and type 1 cytokines confirms suppression of cellular immune functions. The current knowledge regarding the exercise-induced kinetics of interleukin (IL)-4, a cytokine that is crucial in the activation of the TH2 cells, does, however, not appear to provide sufficient support for an upregulation of a type 2 response. Lowered or unchanged circulating concentrations of type1 cytokines (IL12, IL-2 and interferon γ) and short-term suppression of lymphocyte, natural killer cell and neutrophil function following EEL, reflect a transient, post-exercise suppression of cellular immunity. Despite a partial dampening thereof by the anti-inflammatory actions of IL-10, IL-1ra and IL-6, the evidence supporting a pro-inflammatory response to prolonged exercise and overtraining is unequivocal. At present, the data appear to support the theory that symptoms of ‘infection' experienced by athletes are the manifestation of a significant pro-inflammatory response, combined with a modest, transient suppression of cellular immune functions which may be clinically insignificant. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol.16(1) 2004: 3-9

scholarly journals Postrace upper respiratory tract ‘infections' in ultramarathoners — infection, allergy or inflammation?

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
EM Peters
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Prolonged Exercise ◽  
Th2 Cells ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
T Helper ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Cellular Immune

Despite more than 20 years of research into mechanisms which could result in the increased predisposition of athletes to ‘infection' incidence following excessive and prolonged exercise, definitive explanations are not yet available. A strong temporal relationship between the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and immune system changes following excessive exercise load (EEL) have not been shown. T-helper cells are functionally polarised according to the cytokines which they produce. While exercise-induced upregulation of T-helper- 2 (TH2) cells and type 2 cytokines is indicative of enhanced activation of allergic responses, downregulation of T-helper-1 (TH1) cells and type 1 cytokines confirms suppression of cellular immune functions. The current knowledge regarding the exercise-induced kinetics of interleukin (IL)-4, a cytokine that is crucial in the activation of the TH2 cells, does, however, not appear to provide sufficient support for an upregulation of a type 2 response. Lowered or unchanged circulating concentrations of type1 cytokines (IL12, IL-2 and interferon γ) and short-term suppression of lymphocyte, natural killer cell and neutrophil function following EEL, reflect a transient, post-exercise suppression of cellular immunity. Despite a partial dampening thereof by the anti-inflammatory actions of IL-10, IL-1ra and IL-6, the evidence supporting a pro-inflammatory response to prolonged exercise and overtraining is unequivocal. At present, the data appear to support the theory that symptoms of ‘infection' experienced by athletes are the manifestation of a significant pro-inflammatory response, combined with a modest, transient suppression of cellular immune functions which may be clinically insignificant. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol.16(1) 2004: 3-9

scholarly journals Stimulating a Mature Body’s Defense System by Maintaining Physical Activity: A Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 904-905
Author(s):  
Mary Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Moderate Exercise ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract This review provides summary of research findings on the effects of exercise for changes in the immune system most associated with aging. Immunosenescence is identified as an immune dysregulation with aging that leaves an older adult susceptible to infections and a host of immune-related disorders. Extrinsic modulators of immunosenescence include pathogens, mental stress, nutrition, and exercise. Moderate short acute exercise over time enhances the immune system. Heavy exertion or prolonged exercise bouts may contribute to immunosenescence. In one study, a J-curve result was identified for upper respiratory tract infection. A moderate exercise workload was associated with a 40-50% decrease in upper respiratory tract infections while a 2-6-fold increase was identified among individuals consistently completing heavy exertion. Transient increases of the inflammatory markers of C-reactive protein and Interleukin-6 are noted after excessive exercise. The older adult should consider small increments of change in an exercise load to limit exercise-induced inflammation. These same inflammatory markers are chronically expressed in obese individuals in a resting state. Strategies to manage weight within recommended range to avoid obesity will limit activation of proinflammatory immune cells. In conjunction with physical activity, the lifestyle behaviors that most support immune system health include adequate sleep, nutrition, hydration, and avoidance of excessive alcohol intake. When planning a safe moderate exercise workload, additionally consider hygienic practices to lower transmission of pathogens. Transmission decreases with hand washing, limited hand-to-face contact, distance from large crowds or those with cough, avoiding spaces with poor ventilation and update vaccinations.

Cellular responses to moderate and heavy exercise

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (5) ◽  
pp. 485-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra L Nehlsen-Cannarella
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Stress Hormones ◽  
Exercise Bout ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Heavy Exercise ◽  
Immune Defenses ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Tract Infections

Moderate and heavy exercise induce a multitude of changes in the neuroendocrine immune system, the net effects of which depend on various other factors including the host's physical condition, and the intensity and duration of the exercise bout. Most investigators report that the risk of upper respiratory infection is increased following heavy exertion, but is decreased after moderate exercise. Many heavy exercise-induced changes in the host's immune defenses are consistent with the alterations reported in classical stress studies; some consensus has been achieved in this area that heavy exertion may indeed elicit responses common to psychological forms of stress. The immunomodulation consists, most notably, of shifts in the number and function of circulating innate and adaptive immune cell populations apparently in response to the release of classical stress hormones and cytokines, and expression of selectin and adhesin molecules. Rapid trafficking of cells in and out of the blood compartment in response to exertion probably mirrors the demand for certain cell types in specific tissues, a hypothesis requiring verification in animal models and ultimately the human. Also needed are studies correlating the functional status of the circulating cells with those in the tissues.Key words: neuroendocrine immune system, exercise-induced stress, upper respiratory tract infections, immunomodulation, immune defenses.

scholarly journals The Effect of Single Bout of Acute Exercise on Working Memory Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 484-487
Author(s):  
Santosh Kumar Deo ◽  
Kopila Agrawal ◽  
Prem Bhattrai ◽  
Raju Kumar Chaudhary
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Test Procedure ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Exercise Session ◽  
Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽  
Single Bout ◽  
Back Task

Introduction: Working memory is a kind of short term memory important for reasoning and guiding decision-making and behavioral process.Objective: The goal of the present research was to study the outcome of single bout of acute moderate-intensity exercise on working memory.Methodology: Twenty two male subjects were asked to perform working memory task by 2n back task in baseline resting, immediately after exercise and after five minute of exercise session. 3 minute step test procedure was used as a moderate intensity exercise intervention.Results: The percentage correctness of 2n back task of working memory was found to be 64.36% for baseline resting condition, 78.01 % for immediately after 3-minute step test and 80.70% for 5 minute after the exercise. In both exercise session (i.e. immediately after exercise and after 5 minute of exercise), significant improvement (p value <0.05) in working memory was seen as compared to the baseline resting session while no such significant beneficial improvement was seen when compared between immediately after exercise and after 5 minute of exercise.Conclusion: Improvement in working memory after moderate exercise intervention was seen, which is important for learning and memory and decision-making.  BJHS 2018;3(2)6:484-487.

scholarly journals The Experimental Effects of Acute Exercise on Long-Term Emotional Memory

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna Wade ◽  
Paul Loprinzi
Keyword(s):  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Group Interaction ◽  
Emotional Memory ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Randomized Controlled Experiment ◽  
Memory Recognition

Emerging work suggests that acute, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may help to subserve episodic memory of neutral stimuli. Less investigated, however, is whether acute exercise is associated with enhanced memory recognition of emotional stimuli, which was the purpose of this experiment. A parallel-group randomized controlled experiment was employed. Participants (mean age = 20 yr) were randomized into an exercise (n = 17) or control group (n = 17). The exercise group engaged in a 15-min bout of moderate-intensity treadmill walking. Emotional memory recognition was assessed via images from the International Affective Picture System, including assessments of varying degrees of valence and arousal. Memory recognition was assessed at 1 day, 7 days, and 14 days post-memory encoding. We observed a significant main effect for time (F(2) = 104.2, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.77) and a significant main effect for valence–arousal classification (F(4) = 21.39, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.40), but there was no significant time by group interaction (F(2) = 1.09, p = 0.34, η2p = 0.03), classification by group interaction (F(4) = 0.12, p = 0.97, η2p = 0.01), time by classification interaction (F(8) = 1.78, p = 0.08, η2p = 0.05), or time by classification by group interaction (F(8) = 0.78, p = 0.62, η2p = 0.02). In conclusion, emotional memory recognition decreased over the 14-day follow-up period and this rate of memory decay was not altered by acute moderate-intensity exercise engagement. We discuss these findings in the context of exercise intensity and the temporal effects of exercise.

scholarly journals Acute Moderate Intensity Exercise Decreases Oxygen Saturation In Obese Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 310-315
Author(s):  
Cornelius Coli ◽  
Gadis Meinar Sari ◽  
Purwo Sri Rejeki
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Obese Women ◽  
Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Percentage Body Fat ◽  
Exercise Interventions

This study aims to analyze acute moderate intensity exercise decreases oxygen saturation in obese women. True experiment with a randomized control group design posttest-only design using 14 obese women aged 19-24 years, body mass index 27-33 kg/m2, percentage body fat (PBF) above 30 % and fasting blood glucose (FBG) below 100 mg/dL, normal hemoglobin, normal systolic and diastolic blood pressure, normal resting heart rate and randomly divided into two groups, namely CON (n=7, control without intervention) and MIE (n=7, moderate intensity exercise). Moderate intensity exercise interventions carried out for 40 minutes using a treadmill. Blood sampling is done 10 minutes after the intervention. Measurement of oxygen saturation using a Pulse Oximeter. The results obtained mean oxygen saturation at CON (98.428±0.534) % and MIE (96.571±0.975) % (p=0.001). Based on the results of the study concluded that moderate moderate intensity acute exercise reduces oxygen saturation in obese women.

scholarly journals Moderate-intensity exercise reduces activated and apoptotic endothelial microparticles in healthy midlife women

2019 ◽  
Vol 126 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corinna Serviente ◽  
Amy Burnside ◽  
Sarah Witkowski
Keyword(s):  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Menopausal Status ◽  
Exploratory Analysis ◽  
Midlife Women ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Endothelial Microparticles ◽  
Healthy Midlife Women

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Risk factors for CVD increase with menopause, and greater cardiorespiratory fitness is generally expected to reduce CVD risk. The effects of habitual physical activity on endothelial health may be due in part to the effect of acute exercise on circulating EMPs. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of an acute bout of exercise on CD62E+ and CD31+/42b− EMPs in healthy fit midlife women at different menopausal stages. Healthy, active premenopausal (PRE), perimenopausal (PERI), and postmenopausal (POST) women completed a single bout of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise. Activated (CD62E+) and apoptotic (CD31+/42b−) EMPs were evaluated before and 30 min after exercise by using fluorescent activated cell sorting. In an exploratory analysis, these results were compared with data from low-fit peri- and postmenopausal women. Differences by group and time point were evaluated with repeated-measure ANOVAs. There was a reduction in the number of total microparticles ( P < 0.001), CD62E+ ( P = 0.003), and CD31+/42b− ( P < 0.001) EMPs/μl plasma following acute exercise. The percentage of CD62E+ EMPs increased with acute exercise ( P < 0.001), whereas the percentage of CD31+/42b− EMPs did not change ( P = 0.40). There was no effect of menopausal status on CD62E+or CD31+/42b− EMPs, or on total microparticles (all P > 0.05). The exploratory analysis revealed that low-fit women had similar changes in EMPs with acute exercise. We concluded that acute moderate-intensity exercise reduces CD62E+and CD31+/42b− EMPs, as well as total microparticles, in healthy midlife women. These effects occurred despite differences in menopausal status and fitness. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that acute moderate-intensity exercise reduces activated and apoptotic endothelial microparticles in healthy midlife women.

scholarly journals Friend or Foe: Interbacterial Competition in the Nasal Cavity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Britney L. Hardy ◽  
D. Scott Merrell
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Nasal Cavity ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Competition And Cooperation ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Nasal Microbiota

Like other microbes that live on or in the human body, the bacteria that inhabit the upper respiratory tract, in particular the nasal cavity, have evolved to survive in an environment that presents a number of physical and chemical challenges; these microbes are constantly bombarded with nutritional fluctuations, changes in humidity, the presence of inhaled particulate matter (odorants, allergens), and competition with other microbes. Indeed, only a specialized set of species are able to colonize this niche and successfully contend with the host's immune system and the constant threat from competitors. To this end, bacteria that live in the nasal cavity have evolved a variety of approaches to outcompete contenders for the limited nutrients and space; broadly speaking, these strategies may be considered a type of ‘bacterial warfare’. A greater molecular understanding of bacterial warfare has the potential to reveal new approaches or molecules that can be developed as novel therapeutics. As such, there are many studies within the last decade that have sought to understand the complex polymicrobial interactions that occur in various environments. Herein, we review what is currently known about the age-dependent structure and interbacterial relationships within the nasal microbiota and summarize the molecular mechanisms that are predicted to dictate bacterial warfare in this niche. Though the currently described interactions are complex, in reality we have likely only scratched the surface in terms of a true understanding of the types of interbacterial competition and cooperation that are thought to take place in and on the human body.

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