topic 13 - exercise and immunity

• function of the immune system

  protects the body from infectious diseases, involved in tissue repair and protection against potential pathogens
• pathogens


  disease causing agents
• innate immunity


  Immunity that is present before exposure, first line of defense, baseline protection and defense, uses leukocytes to fight infection
• adaptive immunity


  immunity or resistance to a specific pathogen, involves clotting, inflammation and lymphocytes
• clotting


  helps stop bleeding and repairs tissue(platelets)
• inflammation


  a nonspecific response that is characterized by swelling, redness, pain, itching, and increased warmth at the affected site to dispose of pathogens, prevent spread, prepare for tissue repair and restore homeostasis
• lymphocyte


  white blood cell that recognise pathogens and make specific antibodies, these cells remain as memory cells to be used later faster
• intense training on the immune system

  tissue damage, adaptive immunity(inflammation, increase in leukocytes)
• long term intense training on the immune system

  decrease adaptive and innate immunity, sustained increase in cortisol and adrenaline(suppresses the immune system), decrease in leukocytes
• relationship between exercise and susceptibility to infection

  elite athlete has to have a strong immune system to withstand infections, athletes who train a lot are more susceptible to infection
• strategies for minimising risk from infection among athletes

  suitable and varied diet, sufficient sleep, maintain hydration, keep water pathogen-free, avoid close contact with people with infection, include recovery in training programs, maintain personal hygiene, maintain oral hygiene