EXERCISE

BACKGROUND: An individual's level of physical activity is one of a set of lifestyle or 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 showed 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. This differential regulation can also be found in changes of several humoral and cellular immune parameters. In patients with persistent systemic inflammation, a typical feature of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, regular exercise training lowers 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 effect of physical activity on the immune system depends strongly 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 several chronic diseases.