Articles : Effects of Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Skin Immunity

Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry 2002;6(3):225-230.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of moderate intensive exercise on cell mediated immunity (CMI). For the survey of this study, 20 healthy males were selected at random among the college students who do not take exercise regularly. Selected students were again divided into a non-exercise group and exercise group with exercise. A twelve-week long training was conducted for the students of the exercise group whose anaerobic threshold (AT) strength was determined individually through GXT test prior to training. After the training, cell mediated immunity, was checked with CMI Skin Test. A Skin Test system (Multi-test, IMC-Institute Merieux, Lyon, France), consisting of a plastic disposable multiple-puncture device capable of simultaneous application of seven delayed-type hypersensitivity antigens, a glycerin and saline diluent(negative control), was used. The multi-test device was applied on inner side of the forearm for assessment of cell mediated immunity. The antigens used were two toxoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria, three bacterial antigens, Streptococcus, Tuberculin and Proteus and two fungal antigens. Candida and Trichophyton. A diameter of 2㎜ or more of the induration was considered as a positive response. The results are as follows: 1. Exercise group showed shorter response time in recognizing bacillus than the non-exercise group (AT exercise group: 24 hours: non-exercise group: 48 hours). 2. After the lapse of 24 hours, non-exercise group recognized 4 bacilli in average, while AT exercise group recognized 6 in average (p<.05), evidencing that the anaerobic threshold exercise helped produce memory T cells. 3. Regarding the average size of erythema, non-exercise group showed 3.79㎜ in average, while AT exercise group did 5.14㎜. This bigger size indicates that the immunity cells of the students in the exercise group immediately attack and kill the penetrating bacilli while expanding blood vessels. 4. Compared to the non-exercise group. AT exercise group responded faster to trichophyton and candida. Such a result is associated with the fact that the increased blood circulation, a primary effect of AT exercise, prompted defense cells to memorize the contacts with bacilli at the peripheral areas of the body. In summary, we may conclude that moderative intensive exercise (AT training) during 12 weeks can not only improve the cardiopulmonary functions but also contribute to strengthening cell mediated immunity positively. The AT exercise during 12 weeks could, therefore, be recommended as suitable for enhancing physical health as well as for intensifying immunity.

Key Words: cell mediated immunity, CMI, anaerobic threshold, AT