Immune responses to an upper body tri-set resistance training session

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Immunology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Resistance training (RT) is known to elicit acute immune responses.
• Understanding the specific immune effects of different RT protocols, like tri-set training, is important for optimizing training strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acute immune responses to an upper body tri-set resistance training (RT) session in RT-trained individuals.
• To assess changes in leucocytes, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), and cortisol following a tri-set RT protocol.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen trained men were assigned to an exercise group (EG) or control group (CG).
• The EG performed an upper body tri-set RT protocol (3 exercises, 6-8 reps, 75% 1RM).
• Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, 15 minutes post-exercise, and 24 hours post-exercise to analyze immune markers.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in total leucocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils were observed immediately post-exercise compared to pre-exercise.
• Total leucocytes and monocytes remained elevated at 24 hours post-exercise.
• No significant changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), or cortisol were detected.

Conclusions:

• The tri-set resistance training session did not exacerbate acute inflammatory responses in trained individuals.
• This training method may serve as a beneficial variation in resistance training for experienced individuals.
• Further research could explore long-term adaptations and responses in different populations.