Exercise and respiratory tract viral infections

Authors

Stephen A. Martin, University of Illinois College of Medicine
Brandt D. Pence, University of Illinois College of Medicine
Jeffrey A. Woods, University of Illinois College of Medicine

Abstract

Prolonged intense exercise causes immunosuppression, whereas moderate-intensity exercise improves immune function and potentially reduces risk and severity of respiratory viral infections. Here, based on available evidence, we present a model whereby moderate exercise-induced increases in stress hormones reduce excessive local inflammation and skew the immune response away from a TH1 and toward a TH2 phenotype, thus improving outcomes after respiratory viral infections. ©2009The Amercian College of Sports Medicine.

Publication Title

Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews

Recommended Citation

Martin, S., Pence, B., & Woods, J. (2009). Exercise and respiratory tract viral infections. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 37 (4), 157-164. https://doi.org/10.1097/JES.0b013e3181b7b57b