Immune system and physical activity

Abstract

Regular physical activity and sport are able to modify the diffused neuro-immuno-endocrine-endothelial system. This emerges from careful scientific research that finds deep interconnections between the psyche, the nervous system, endocrine organs and the immune response. There is an interconnection between the psychoendocrine-immunological system and respiratory infections in athletes. The appearance of leucocytosis during intense physical activity can explain to us how strenuous exercise is responsible for a temporary depression of the immune system; indeed, the physical activity reduces the proliferative activity and function of T-lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells. This is associated with the influence of multiple factors such as age and gender. The respiratory mechanics during strenuous physical activity favours the dehydration of the mucous membranes, the modification of the mucociliary clearance and therefore the predisposition to infections, until the appearance of more complicated diseases such as neoplasms, as reported by data literature. In conclusion, regular and moderate exercise improves the immune system, reduces environmental and psychological stress, decreases the demand and administration of chemotherapy and immunosuppressants.