Neuroplasticity and inflammation play important part in the body’s adaptive reactions in response to prolonged physical activity. These processes are associated with the cross-interaction of the nervous and immune systems, which is realized through the transmission of signals from neurotransmitters and cytokines. Using the methods of flow cytometry and advanced biochemical analysis of blood humoral parameters, we showed that intense and prolonged physical activity at the anaerobic threshold, without nutritional and metabolic support, contributes to the development of exercise-induced immunosuppression in sportsmen. These athletes illustrate the following signs of a decreased immune status: fewer absolute indicators of the content of leukocytes, lowered values in the immunoregulatory index (CD4+/CD8+), and diminished indicators of humoral immunity (immunoglobulins A, M, and G, and IFN-γ). These factors characterize the functional state of cellular and humoral immunity and their reduction affects the prenosological risk criteria, indicative of the athletes’ susceptibility to develop exercise-induced immunosuppression.

Background and Objective: low back pain has a huge impact on the patient's quality of life and imposes an economic burden on healthcare systems. New possibilities for low back pain treatment have opened up with the implementation of shockwave therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of radial shockwave therapy on the lumbar spine mobility. Methods: a randomized controlled trial was conducted in 75 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain complaints. Patients were randomized into two groups, depending on their treatment methods. Group I (n=36) received complex treatment with massage and exercise. Group II (n=39) received complex treatment with radial SWT, therapeutic exercise and massage. Flexion and lateroflexion of the lumbar spine were assessed during the study. Results: according to the data obtained, patients in both groups showed a positive trend by the end of the study in all measurements (p<0,05). Pairwise comparison of the results of groups I and II at each stage of the assessment revealed no statistically significant difference (p>0,05). Conclusion: shockwave therapy does not improve spine mobility in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Keywords: low back pain, shockwave therapy, spine mobility