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Int J Sports Med 2001; 22(2): 132-137
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-11347
Immunology

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

The Effect of Moderate Aerobic Exercise and Relaxation on Secretory Immunoglobulin A

M. R. Reid1 , P. D. Drummond1 , L. T. Mackinnon2
  • 1 School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Western Australia
  • 2 School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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A deficiency in secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is associated with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections both in the general community and in elite athletes. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise and relaxation on various indices of sIgA in 12 male and 8 female adults who varied in levels of recreational activity. Salivary samples were obtained before, immediately after and 30 minutes after an incremental cycle ergometer test to fatigue, after 30 minutes of cycling at 30 % or 60 % of maximum heart rate, and after 30 minutes of relaxation with guided imagery. Each session was run on a separate day. When expressed in relation to changes in salivary flow rate, sIgA did not change after exercise. However, both the absolute concentration and secretion rate of sIgA increased during relaxation (167 ± 179 μg · ml-1, p < 0.001; and 37 ± 71 μg · min-1, p < 0.05 respectively). Nonspecific protein increased more than sIgA during incremental exercise to fatigue (decrease in the sIgA/protein ratio 92 ± 181 μg · mg protein-1, p < 0.05), but sIgA relative to protein did not change during relaxation. Our findings suggest that sIgA secretion rate is a more appropriate measure of sIgA than sIgA relative to protein, both for exercise and relaxation. These data suggest the possibility of using relaxation to counteract the negative effects of intense exercise on sIgA levels.

Key words:

Exercise, relaxation, immunoglobulin A, saliva.

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Dr. P. D. Drummond

School of PsychologyMurdoch University, 6150

Western Australia

Phone: Phone:+ 61 (8) 93602415

Fax: Fax:+ 61 (8) 93606492

Email: E-mail:drummond@central.murdoch.edu.au

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