Effects of Endurance Training on Immune and Endocrine Systems in Elderly Men
Author Information
Author(s): Milton Arai, Alberto JS Duarte, Valéria Maria Natale
Primary Institution: Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
Does long-term endurance training improve the immune and endocrine systems in elderly men?
Conclusion
Highly conditioned elderly men have a better-preserved immune system compared to sedentary elderly men, but endurance training does not prevent the decline in endocrine function.
Supporting Evidence
- Elderly runners showed a significantly higher T cell proliferative response than sedentary elderly controls.
- IL-2 production in elderly runners was similar to that in young adults.
- Serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower in elderly runners compared to sedentary peers.
Takeaway
Older men who run regularly have stronger immune systems than those who don't, but running doesn't help their hormone levels.
Methodology
The study involved 20 elderly runners, 20 sedentary elderly controls, and 10 young sedentary controls, measuring T cell responses and serum hormone levels.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to strict selection criteria and the exclusion of women.
Limitations
The study only included men and had strict exclusion criteria, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Elderly men aged 61-80 years, sedentary controls aged 60-75 years, and young controls aged 23-34 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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