Authors

Abstract

Purpose: Many researches have been conducted on the relationship between exercise and immune system but few have focused on the effect of physical fitness programs on the system. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the influence of a 12-week program on such markers as IgG, neutrophils, lymphocytes and serum cortisol at rest in athletic students.

Method and Materials: In this study, 11 athletic students (age 22.02±2 years, weight 61.2±5.3 Kg and stature 174±4.45 cm) voluntarily participated as the experimental group and 11 nonathletic students (age 22.5±2.5 years, weight 62.1±6.2 Kg and stature 173±3.5 cm) voluntarily participated as the control group. Blood samples were collected at rest from athletic students before physical fitness training. The program included resistance, speed and endurance training with intensity 65–100% maximal HR. After 12 weeks, blood samples were collected from both groups.

Results: Dependent and independent t-test analysis indicated that physical fitness training did not significantly change serum IgG and cortisol at rest (p>0.81 and p>0.65 respectively). It significantly decreased neutrophils and increased lymphocytes (p

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