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The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system.
David C Nieman1, Laurel M Wentz2
1Human Performance Laboratory, Appalachian State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA.
Journal of Sport and Health Science
|June 14, 2019
Summary
Exercise immunology research has evolved significantly, revealing how physical activity impacts the immune system across different life stages. Future studies will personalize exercise and nutrition strategies for enhanced immune health and chronic disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Exercise immunology
- Immune system response to exercise
- Exercise and aging immune system
Background:
- Research has evolved over distinct periods, from basic immune cell counts to complex system biology approaches.
- Early research (1900-1979) focused on exercise-induced immune cell changes.
- Seminal papers (1980-1989) linked heavy exertion to immune dysfunction and increased infection risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key discoveries in exercise immunology.
- To explore the effects of exercise on the immune system, clinical benefits, nutrition, and immunosenescence.
- To outline the historical progression and future directions in the field.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of scientific literature in exercise immunology.
- Categorization of discoveries into distinct time periods (1900-present).
- Highlighting the impact of technological advancements, such as mass spectrometry, on research methodologies.
Main Results:
- Exercise impacts immune cell counts, function, and inflammatory biomarkers.
- Heavy exertion can transiently impair immune function and increase infection risk.
- Recent advances enable systems biology approaches (metabolomics, proteomics, etc.) in exercise immunology.
Conclusions:
- Future research will leverage advanced technologies for personalized exercise and nutrition strategies.
- Understanding exercise-induced immune perturbations can reduce chronic disease risk.
- Exercise immunology continues to evolve, offering new insights into health and disease prevention.