Effects of intensity and duration of exercise on differential leucocyte count

Increases in neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes account for the exercise induced leucocytosis. Effects of intensity and duration of exercise on differential leucocytes count were observed in this study.

Two groups of normal healthy male adult subjects were exercised on treadmill for different duration and intensities. Group-I subjects (n = 15) exercised by running for a duration of 2-3 minutes, at 7% grade (4 degree inclination) and at speed ranging from 7.5 to 9 Km/hour, while group-II subjects (n = 15) walked on treadmill for a duration of 7-10 minutes at zero grade and at Speed ranging from 5 to 6 Km/hour. Blood drop for differential leucocyte count was taken from fingertip before exercise, immediately after and 30 minutes after exercise.

In group-I subjects neutrophils were increased by 5.97% immediately after exercise and decreased by 13.47% after 30 minutes rest. Therefore neutrophils were 8.454% below baseline (p < 0.001) 30 minutes after exercise. Lymphocytes were increased by 19.57%, 30 minutes after exercise and were 17.73% above baseline (p < 0.001). Eosinophils were increased by 38.04% after 30 minutes rest and were 33.33% below baseline (p < 0.01). Basophils were 50.18% less (p < 0.01) 30 minutes after exercise than pre-exercise. In-group II neutrophils were significantly increased by 4.30%, immediately after exercise and then decreased significantly by 6.01% after 30 minutes rest. On the other hand lymphocytes were significantly decreased by 11.98%, immediately after exercise and then increased significantly by 12.37%, after 30 minutes rest.

It clearly indicates that the exercise of high intensity and lesser duration has greater effect on neutrophil count. The increase in lymphocyte count, 30 minutes after exercise indicate that exercise of low intensity and longer duration is helpful in improving acquired immunity.