Title:The Immunomodulatory Effects of Physical Activity
Volume: 22
Issue: 24
Author(s): Karsten Krüger, Frank-Christoph Mooren and Christian Pilat
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Exercise, training, infection risk, adaptive immune system, innate immune system, anti-inflammatory effects of exercise, lymphocytosis,
lymphopenia, cytokines, muscle.
Abstract: Background: An individual's level of physical activity is one of a set of lifestyle and
behavioral factors that can affect immune function and health. Methods: The purpose of this
review is to summarize the current knowledge in this research field and to review the recent developments
in exercise immunology. Results: Most studies show that regular exercise training
increases immune competence and reduces the risk of infection compared to a sedentary lifestyle.
In contrast, acute prolonged bouts of exercise and periods of intensified training are followed by a
temporary increase in the risk of infection. These observations have been attributed to differential
exercise-induced changes of a series of humoral and cellular immune system parameters.
Furthermore, regular exercise training is a countermeasure against a persistent systemic
inflammatory state which is a typical feature of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases is by lowering levels of pro-inflammatory
cytokines. It is supposed that these effects are mediated by a modification of metabolic signals and innate immune regulation, the release
of anti-inflammatory cytokines from muscle, the release of stress hormones, and a process known as browning of adipose tissue. Conclusion:
The effects of physical activity on the immune system strongly depend on the mode and intensity of exercise or training. Thereby,
considerable knowledge has accumulated concerning the significance of exercise as an important lifestyle factor for prevention and therapy
of major chronic diseases.
