Effects of Exercise on Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Older Arthritic Adults

Abstract

The effects of exercise on acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections (UW) were examined in arthritic women 62-78 years old, looking at stress as a mediating variable. Subjects trained for 12 months, 3 days per week for approximately 50 minutes per session. Exercise consisted of stretching, 1 lb. dumbbell weighttraining and walking. Data were compared on ULRI for the year before the study versus the year of the study. Also, functional walking capacity, arm strength/endurance, grip strength, psycho-social stress and white blood cell parameters were determined before and after the study-year. Results suggest no clinically significant effect from exercise. Importance of this pilot investigation compared to those involving non-arthritic older adult populations and the implications for researchers and older adult activity program managers are discussed.