ABSTRACT
Much has been studied and written, and much is still unknown, about how exercise affects immune function. Overall, it appears from the literature that moderate exercise improves immune function, and prolonged or intense exercise
60.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 691 60.2 Exercise and the Immune System .................................................................................................................................. 691 60.3 Infections and Exercise .................................................................................................................................................. 692 60.4 Upper Respiratory Tract Infection ................................................................................................................................. 693 60.5 Rhinosinusitis ................................................................................................................................................................ 693 60.6 Pharyngitis ..................................................................................................................................................................... 693 60.7 Infectious Mononucleosis .............................................................................................................................................. 694 60.8 Otitis Media and Externa ............................................................................................................................................... 694 60.9 Conjunctivitis ................................................................................................................................................................. 695 60.10 Meningitis ...................................................................................................................................................................... 695 60.11 Acute Bronchitis ............................................................................................................................................................ 695 60.12 Pneumonia ..................................................................................................................................................................... 696 60.13 Myocarditis .................................................................................................................................................................... 696 60.14 Acute Gastroenteritis ..................................................................................................................................................... 696 60.15 Blood-borne Infections .................................................................................................................................................. 697 60.16 Sexually Transmitted Infections .................................................................................................................................... 697 60.17 Reportable Disease ........................................................................................................................................................ 697 60.18 Exercise in Unusual Places ............................................................................................................................................ 698 60.19 Immunomodulators ........................................................................................................................................................ 698 60.20 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 698 References ................................................................................................................................................................................. 699
TABLE 60.1 Key Clinical Considerations
impairs it. Neiman described the relationship between URTI incidence and exercise as a J-shaped curve, with sedentary individuals at greater risk for a URTI than moderate exercisers, but strenuous exercisers at the greatest risk of all49 (see Figure 60.1). The negative effects of exercise on immune function are greatest when exercise lasts greater than 1.5 hours, is done at 55%–75% of VO2max, and is without food intake during exercise.32
