Immunological Status of Competitive Cyclists Before and After the Training Season

Abstract

The total number of leucocytes, T lymphocyte subsets, mitogen induced proliferation of lymphocytes, Il-2 generation, adherence capacity and chemiluminescence of granulocytes were measured and a leukergy test performed in fifteen young cyclists. The investigations were carried out at rest at the beginning of a training season and after six months of intensive training and a racing season, cycling approximately 500 km a week. Baseline values of the tested immune parameters were within the range observed in 16 non-trained healthy controls except significantly increased non stimulated neutrophil chemiluminescence. The second cyclo-ergometer test in August showed a marked improvement in the performance capacity of the cyclists. Significant decrease in absolute numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ cells, diminished IL-2 generation and fMLP and PMA stimulated chemiluminescence of neutrophils were noted. Surprisingly, a marked increase in lymphocyte proliferation induced by PHA and anti-CD3 MoAb and normalisation in non stimulated neutrophil chemiluminescence were also observed at rest after the training season. We conclude that long-lasting intensive training may result in significant alterations in lymphocyte number and composition and in neutrophil oxidative burst capacity, but their actual significance for immunity is seen controversially.

Exercise effects on systemic immunity

“…11,13,[19][20][21] This is especially apparent in the studies by Hack et al 19 and Baj et al, 11 with neutrophil function in athletes similar to controls during periods of low-volume training but significantly suppressed during the summer months of intensive training. In contrast, no difference in neutrophil/monocyte phagocytosis or oxidative burst activity was measured in elite female rowers and controls 3 months prior to the world championships.…”

Ramadan Fasting and Weight-Lifting Training on Vascular Volumes and Hematological Profiles in Young Male Weight-Lifters

“…A low white blood cells count may increase from the haemodilution related to training, or may describe changed kinetic of leukocytes following a decreased release from the bone marrow (Keen et al, 1995). Functions of neutrophils were reduced during high-intensity training periods but unaltered in athletes during a period of low-training (Hack et al, 1992;Baj et al, 1994).…”

Acute and chronic effects of exercise on markers of mucosal immunity

“…The acute decrease in immune function is transient and is dependent on the exercise intensity and duration. Repeated activity with insufficient recovery, such as during heavy periods of training and competition, appears to exacerbate the situation leading to a chronic depression of several aspects of immune function (3)(4)(5). Although the majority of studies have concentrated on continuous endurance-type activities such as distance running, cycling and swimming, evidence to support the concept of an exercise-induced immune depression has also been found following high-intensity intermittent activities such as football and tennis as well as high intensity resistance exercise (6)(7)(8).…”