effects of high intensity intermittent exercise on serum immunoglobulin’s and complement system response in youth soccer players

Background and Aim: Humoral immune system is affected by the intensity, duration, and type of exercise. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of a 90 - minute intermittent exercise on the immune response of young soccer players. Materials and Methods: Twenty four trained young soccer players were selected and randomly divided into two equal experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in a soccer specific protocol. Blood samples of the subjects were taken in two non-consecutive times (i.e. before and 1 hour after exercise) and they were analyzed to determine their immune parameters (Leukocyte, Neutrophiles, IgM, IgG, IgA and serum Complement C3 and C4). The obtained data was analyzed by means of Minitab software (V: 14). Dependant t statistical test was used to compare the mean range of the parameters before and after the experiment in each group. Besides, Independent t test was applied for the same comparison between the twos groups. Results: It was found that a 90 - minute intermittent exercise session significantly increased the number of leukocytes (P=0.001), neutrophiles (P=0.001) and decreased serum IgG (P=0.001) and IgA (P=0.01) in the young soccer players. However, there was no significant difference in serum IgM and C3, C4 Complement components. Conclusion: In general, it seems that performing a 90- minute intermittent exercise session by young soccer players can cause stress and act as a suppressive factor against immunoglobulin G and A. Hence, it is likely that repeating such an exercise makes young soccer players prone to upper respiratory tract infection, resulting in the reduction of the two major immunoglobulins.