Title
Exercise and the immune system
Research Area
Health
Author
Campbell, J P et al; Frontiers in Immunology
Summary of Findings
This review aimed to use existing research to test the notion that exercise temporarily supresses the immune system. Researchers from the University of Bath deconstruct the key pillars that lay the foundations for this theory and highlight that there is limited reliable evidence to support the idea that vigorous exercise heightens the risk of opportunistic infections. They also note that purported changes to mucosal immunity after exercise don't indicate a period of immunosuppression. Further still, researchers found evidence to demonstrate frequent exercise enhances, rather than suppresses immune competency.
Research in to the effects of regular physical activity found a decrease in the risk of both communicable and non communicable diseases in older age. There is also evidence that exercise can delay or slow the aging of the immune system.
Implications
This research contradicts a widely-held notion that strenuous exercise can have a negative effect on the immune system.
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