The Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Low-Impact Pilates Workout on the Adaptive Immune System.

Growing evidence indicates the pronounced effects of physical activity on immune functions, which may largely depend on the type of exercise, intensity, and duration. However, limited information is available regarding the effects of low-impact exercises, especially on the level of adaptive immune system. Our study aimed to investigate and compare the changes in a broad spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after 14 weeks of aerobic-type total-body-shaping workouts (TBSW) and Pilates workouts (PW) among healthy individuals. We determined the percentages of peripheral natural killer cells and different T and B lymphocyte subtypes with flow cytometry. At the end of the exercise program, significant changes in naïve and memory lymphocyte ratios were observed in TBSW group. Percentages of naïve cytotoxic T (Tc) cells elevated, frequencies of memory Tc and T-helper cell subsets decreased, and distribution of naïve and memory B cells rearranged. Proportions of activated T cells also showed significant changes. Nonetheless, percentages of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10-producing regulatory type 1 cells and immunosuppressive CD4+CD127lo/-CD25bright T regulative cells decreased not only after TBSW but also after PW. Although weekly performed aerobic workouts may have a more pronounced impact on the adaptive immune system than low-impact exercises, both still affect immune regulation in healthy individuals.

Effects of Functional Training on Sarcopenia in Elderly Women in the Presence or Absence of ACE Inhibitors.

Sarcopenia, defined as loss of muscle mass and strength, develops gradually with aging or after chronic disease. Efforts are ongoing to identify the best interventions that can slow down or stop sarcopenia. Nutrition-based interventions and exercise therapy may be beneficial; however, pharmacotherapy also could play a role. The effect of ACE inhibitors on physical performance is controversial. The present study investigates the impact of functional training on sarcopenia in the presence or absence of ACEi in elderly females. A total of 35 women over 65 years of age were selected for two groups on the basis that they were taking ACEi (n = 18) or not (n = 17). All subjects conducted a training program two times a week for 6 months. We examined various factors related to sarcopenia. After completing the short physical performance battery (SPPB) test, we found a significant improvement after 6 months of functional training. SPPB values of the ACEi group were significantly lower at the beginning of the study; however, we observed no difference between the SPPB results of the two groups after the training period. We conducted further studies to measure posture and spine mobility. Our Schober and Cobra test results revealed significantly improved spine mobility (both flexor and extensor) in both groups after 6 months of training. Furthermore, the grip strength of the hands, studied by an electric dynamometer, was significantly improved in both groups at the end of the training period. Our results indicated that functional training may improve body composition and muscle strength in patients diagnosed with sarcopenia. Furthermore, ACEi may be a helpful additional therapy in older adult patients suffering from severe sarcopenia.

Regular Exercise May Restore Certain Age-Related Alterations of Adaptive Immunity and Rebalance Immune Regulation.

Age-related changes of the immune system lead to an increased morbidity and mortality due to enhanced vulnerability to infectious diseases and malignancies. Recent studies revealed the important effects of physical activity on immune functions, which may largely depend on the type of exercise, its intensity and duration. However, limited information is available regarding the immunological effects of sport activities in older ages. The aim of our study was to examine the changes in a wide spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after regular workout among healthy elderly individuals. We enrolled 29 elderly women with sedentary lifestyle (mean age: 67.03 ± 3.74 years) to take part in a 6-week long functional conditioning gymnastic exercise program. The percentages of peripheral natural killer (NK), NKT cells, T and B lymphocyte subtypes (early-/late-activated T, naïve and memory T, cytotoxic T (Tc), T-helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, T regulatory type 1 (Tr1), CD4+CD127lo/-CD25bright Treg, as well as naïve and memory B cells) were determined by flow cytometry. Evaluation of the changes in functional capability of Treg cells was based on in vitro functional assays. At the end of exercise program, in parallel with improvements in body composition and physical performance, significant changes in naïve and memory lymphocyte ratios were observed. Importantly, levels of naïve Tc cells elevated, ratios of effector memory Tc cells decreased and distribution of memory B cells rearranged as well. Additionally, proportions of late-activated HLA-DR+ T cells increased, while percentages of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 producing Tr1 cells, as well as immunosuppressive CD4+CD127lo/-CD25bright Treg cells decreased following the exercise workout. Changes observed after the regular exercise program indicate an improvement in the age-related redistribution of certain naïve and memory cell proportions and a retuned immune regulation in older ages.

[Effects of physical activity on cognitive function in older adults]. / A fizikai aktivitás hatásai az idoskori kognitív muködésre.

There is an absolute and relative increase in the proportion of the elderly population especially in the European countries, but this tendency can be also observed universally. By the continuous increase of the proportion of the elderly population, the medical and social related financial burdens are also increasing because of the significant decrease in health condition among older adults. The process of aging includes not only the constant decline of the general health condition and daily functioning, but also includes the decrease of the mental and cognitive performance, which further impairs the everyday life of the older adults. These findings warrant the necessity of preventive interventions in the future. According to previous findings, physical activity can be used to improve cognitive functioning and prevent further decline. In this article we provide a brief review of the literature on physical activity effects on cognition in general and with referring to three different specific forms of physical exercise; moreover, briefly discuss the important future directions of research. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(5): 163-168.