Effects of low‐intensity physical exercise on acute changes in resting saliva secretory IgA levels in the elderly

Abstract

Background: Although it is well known that exercise affects various immune functions, it remains to be determined whether exercise influences change in the mucosal immunity of elderly people. The objective of the present study is to examine whether low‐intensity short‐term exercise alters acute and long‐term mucosal immune function in community‐dwelling elderly people.Methods: The subjects of the study were 16 community‐dwelling elderly people, consisting of 11 men and five women aged 60–94 (mean ± SD, 76 ± 10 years), living in Sanbongi Town (Miyagi, Japan). The subjects periodically performed about 20 min of low‐intensity physical exercise (approximately 3.1 METS) at a frequency of twice a month for 3 months. Saliva samples were collected before and after exercise during the exercise class (at the start, after 1 month and after 3 months). Saliva flow, secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) concentration, SIgA secretion rate and total protein were determined.Results: The main finding was that saliva flow and SIgA secretion rates were significantly (P < 0.05) higher after exercise. However, the baseline value of SIgA level hardly changed at each point for the duration of the exercise class.Conclusions: The results suggest that low‐intensity short‐term exercise enhances mucosal immune function transiently in elderly people.