Abstract
BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global mortality. Although the incidence may be reduced with regular exercise, the health benefits of a single bout of exercise on selected CVD risk factors are not well understood. The primary objective of this review is to consider the transient effects of exercise on immune (neutrophil count) and inflammatory (interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP]) markers in untrained adults.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Sports Discus and Cochrane were searched for relevant studies published from January 1946 to May 2013. Randomised controlled or crossover studies which measured any of these parameters in untrained but otherwise healthy participants in the 48 h following about of exercise, less than 1 h in duration were included.ResultsTen studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate a single bout of aerobic or resistance exercise of moderate to high intensity promotes an increase in IL-6 (145 %) and neutrophil counts (51 %). It appears that 30–60 min of moderate to high intensity exercise is necessary to elicit such changes although variables such as the mode, intensity and pattern of exercise also affect the response. The acute response of CRP within the included studies is equivocal.ConclusionsAlthough responses to CRP are inconsistent, a single bout of exercise can increase the activity of both circulating IL-6 and neutrophil counts in untrained adults. These immune and inflammatory responses to a single bout of exercise may be linked to a range of health benefits.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global mortality
This state of inflammation permits the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and CRP which are actively involved in insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia [74]
The results suggest that IL-6 and neutrophil counts increase in response to exercise
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global mortality. the incidence may be reduced with regular exercise, the health benefits of a single bout of exercise on selected CVD risk factors are not well understood. CVD is the major cause of mortality within developed nations and at the forefront of this disease pathology is chronic systemic low-grade inflammation [29]. This state of inflammation permits the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and CRP which are actively involved in insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia [74]. A likely downstream effect of hyperglycaemia is endothelial dysfunction which is associated with a reduction in the bioavailability of vasodilators such as nitric oxide (NO) [1, 13] and is often regarded as an initial step in the development of CVD [62]. A single bout of exercise appears to act as a stimulus for changes which cumulatively are regarded as exercise adaptations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
