Influence of age and fitness level on immune responses of T and NK cells in healthy physically active subjects after strenuous aerobic exercise: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze whether immune responses after strenuous exercise are influenced by chronological age and fitness level in physically active healthy men.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 32 physically active men. Participants were divided into two groups based on chronological age (younger: age 21.8 ± 1.8 vs. older: age 34.6 ± 8.3) and subsequently regrouped and divided based on fitness level (More conditioned: excellent and superior VO2max vs. Less conditioned: VO2max: weak, regular and good). Fitness was classified according to VO2max levels obtained by a treadmill test using a gas analyzer. Before and immediately after the ergospirometry test, blood samples were collected for evaluation of immunological markers: leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes and subpopulations.

Results: Chronological age had a moderate effect on CD3+CD4+ lymphocyte count (effect size: 0.204) and CD4/CD8 ratio (effect size: 0.278), favoring older subjects. The level of physical fitness had no significant effect on the analyzed immunological markers.

Conclusions: Immune responses observed immediately after strenuous exercise may be more dependent on chronological age than on fitness level in healthy, physically active men.

Keywords: immune system; leukocytes; lymphocytes; neutrophils; physical activity.